Restore a Deleted File
Overview
A deleted work file is almost always recoverable. OneDrive and SharePoint keep deleted items in a recycle bin for 93 days before they are permanently removed. This guide shows you how to find and restore one.
Before You Begin
- You know the file name or roughly when you deleted it.
- The file was stored in OneDrive, SharePoint, or a folder backed up to OneDrive (Desktop, Documents, or Pictures).
- The deletion happened within the last 93 days.
Steps
- Open a browser and go to https://www.office.com.
- Sign in with your work email and password.
- Click OneDrive from the app launcher (top left).
- In the left sidebar, click Recycle bin.
- Find your file. You can sort by Date deleted to find recent items.
- Check the box next to the file (or several files) you want to recover.
- Click Restore in the toolbar. The file returns to its original folder.
- Open File Explorer on your computer and confirm the file appears within a few minutes.
- For SharePoint files: open the team site, click Recycle bin in the left sidebar, and follow the same steps.
Troubleshooting
- If the file is not in the recycle bin: scroll to the bottom and click Second-stage recycle bin. Files removed from the first recycle bin sit here for the rest of the 93 days.
- If the file is older than 93 days: contact support. Some files may be recoverable from backup, but not all.
- If you deleted a whole folder: restoring the folder brings everything back inside it. You do not need to restore each file separately.
- If a teammate deleted the file: the file goes to their personal recycle bin or, for SharePoint, the site recycle bin. You may need their help or the site owner's.
- If the file was on your local Desktop but not synced to OneDrive: unsynced local files cannot be recovered through OneDrive. Contact support and explain the timeline.
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Need More Help?
Submit a ticket at support.bostonmit.com or email support@bostonmit.com.