Fix SharePoint Files Disappearing from OneDrive Synced Folder
Question details
The user needs to stop SharePoint files and folders from being automatically deleted and moved to the recycle bin on a single synchronized computer.
- Product
- OneDrive and SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A newly setup computer is syncing a SharePoint folder via OneDrive, but files are randomly disappearing and being sent to the recycle bin.
- Observed behavior
- Files within a OneDrive-synced SharePoint folder are repeatedly deleted on only one specific device, while other devices are unaffected.
Before troubleshooting, log into SharePoint online and check the site's Recycle Bin to immediately restore your missing files so you do not lose any important data.
Unlink and Relink Your OneDrive Account
Because the issue is isolated to a single device, resetting the local sync connection can clear cached errors causing the unwarranted deletions.
Unlinking your PC removes the current sync configuration without deleting the files from the cloud. When you relink the account, OneDrive rebuilds the local folder and sync parameters, which often resolves isolated synchronization anomalies.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system taskbar or menu bar, click the Help & Settings gear icon, and select Settings.
Navigate to the Account tab and click the 'Unlink this PC' link. Confirm the action when prompted.
Once the OneDrive setup screen appears, sign in with your Microsoft credentials and follow the prompts to re-establish the sync to your SharePoint folder.
Perform a Clean Boot to Check for Software Conflicts
Identify if a third-party application, such as aggressive antivirus software or an automated background utility, is mistakenly deleting your files.
Check User Activity and Administrative Policies
Rule out the possibility that another user with edit permissions or an automated organization policy is responsible for the deletions.
Use WPS Office for Reliable Document Management
If you are tired of dealing with complex synchronization glitches and disappearing files, consider using WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, allowing you to edit documents smoothly and save them securely to local disks or alternative cloud services of your choice.
- 1. Download and Install: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and install it on your device.
- 2. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files without worrying about format distortion.
- 3. Save Securely: Save your work to your preferred local folder or utilize WPS Cloud for reliable, hassle-free backups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do deleted synced SharePoint files go?
When a file is deleted from a OneDrive-synced SharePoint folder, it is moved to the SharePoint site's Recycle Bin online, not just your local computer's recycle bin.
Can another user delete files from my synchronized folder?
Yes. If a SharePoint folder is shared with other users who have edit permissions, any file they delete will also disappear from your synchronized folder.
How long do files stay in the SharePoint Recycle Bin?
By default, files remain in the SharePoint Recycle Bin for 93 days before they are permanently deleted, unless your organization's IT administrator has set a different retention policy.
Why does this sync issue only happen on one computer?
If the issue is isolated to one device, it usually indicates a local conflict, such as a corrupted OneDrive cache, aggressive third-party antivirus software, or a problematic background application specific to that machine.
