Quick answer
Deleted files in OneDrive and SharePoint can be restored from the Recycle Bin if the retention period hasn't expired: in OneDrive usually 30 days, and in SharePoint up to 93 days. If the file isn't there, try restoring a previous version if the file still exists, or contact your administrator for recovery from a backup.
How to recognize the problem
- A file disappeared from a folder in OneDrive or a SharePoint library
- A colleague deleted a file you need
- You can't find a document you edited yesterday
- A file was deleted accidentally, but you don't know when
Most common causes
Accidental deletion
The most common cause is accidental deletion of a file or folder, either by you or by another user with access.
Sync with your computer
If OneDrive is synced with your computer, deleting a local file can also delete the cloud version.
Moving or renaming
The file may not have been deleted but moved to another folder or renamed, so you can't find it.
Retention period expired
If the retention period has expired, the file is automatically removed from the Recycle Bin. In OneDrive this is usually 30 days, and in SharePoint up to 93 days. Without a backup, it can no longer be restored.
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Check the Recycle Bin in OneDrive
Open OneDrive in your browser and click
Recycle binin the left menu. Find the file, select it, and clickRestore. If you don't see the option, check that you're in the correct account. - 2
Check the Recycle Bin in SharePoint
Open the SharePoint site, click the gear icon
Settings>Site contents, and then clickRecycle bin. If the item is available in the left menu, you can open it from there too. Select the file and clickRestore. - 3
Look for the file in the second-stage Recycle Bin
If the file isn't in the site Recycle Bin, an administrator can check the second-stage Recycle Bin (site collection recycle bin). Regular users usually don't have access to that bin, so contact IT support.
- 4
Restore a previous version of the file
If the file exists but has been modified, open the library, right-click the file, and select
Version history. Then choose the version you want and clickRestore. - 5
Check if the file was moved
Use search in OneDrive or SharePoint to find the file by name or content. If it appears, it may have just been moved to another folder.
- 6
Contact your administrator
If the file isn't in the Recycle Bin, an administrator can look for it in backups or check whether the bin was emptied. Contact IT support with the exact file name and deletion date.
What if nothing helps
If the file isn't in the Recycle Bin and you don't have a backup, an administrator can try to find it in the second-stage Recycle Bin or in system backups. In SharePoint, an administrator can restore a deleted library or site from the Recycle Bin or from a backup, if available. Regular backups and using the Version history feature can prevent data loss. If you frequently lose files, consider enabling automatic versioning and user training.
How to prevent it
- Regularly check the Recycle Bin and empty it only when you're sure you don't need the files.
- Use the `Version history` feature for important documents.
- Train users not to delete files without checking.
- Back up important SharePoint libraries and OneDrive folders.
When to call a professional
If the file isn't in the Recycle Bin and you can't find it, contact IT support. An administrator can access backups and advanced recovery options that are not available to regular users.
IT infrastructure maintenance · Servers, networks, backup, security and helpdeskFAQ
How long are deleted files kept in OneDrive?
Deleted files are kept in the Recycle Bin for 30 days. After that, they are automatically deleted and cannot be restored without a backup.
Can I restore a file deleted more than 30 days ago?
It depends on the service. In OneDrive, deleted files are kept for 30 days, and in SharePoint up to 93 days. If the period has expired, an administrator can check backups or the retention feature, if enabled.
How do I restore an entire library in SharePoint?
Only an administrator with the appropriate permissions can do that, for example from the site Recycle Bin if the library was deleted, or from a backup if available. As a user, you cannot restore an entire library.