Restore a Deleted File

Restore a Deleted File

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

  1. Open a browser and go to https://www.office.com.
  2. Sign in with your work email and password.
  3. Click OneDrive from the app launcher (top left).
  4. In the left sidebar, click Recycle bin.
  5. Find your file. You can sort by Date deleted to find recent items.
  6. Check the box next to the file (or several files) you want to recover.
  7. Click Restore in the toolbar. The file returns to its original folder.
  8. Open File Explorer on your computer and confirm the file appears within a few minutes.
  9. 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.

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