How to Restore Lost Files from a SharePoint Folder or Library
Question details
The user needs to locate and recover files that are missing or have been deleted from a SharePoint folder or document library.
- Product
- SharePoint Online
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to retrieve important documents that have disappeared from their original SharePoint folder.
- Observed behavior
- Files are no longer visible in the expected SharePoint folder, requiring the user to use search, the Recycle Bin, or library restore options to recover them.
Ensure you have the necessary SharePoint site permissions (usually Member or Owner access) to view the Recycle Bin or initiate a document library restoration.
Check the SharePoint Recycle Bin
If files were accidentally deleted, they are usually moved to the site's Recycle Bin where they can be quickly recovered.
When a file is deleted from a SharePoint library, it is not immediately destroyed. Instead, it is sent to the Recycle Bin, where it typically remains for 93 days before permanent deletion.
Navigate to your SharePoint site and click on 'Recycle Bin' in the left-hand navigation pane.
Scroll through the list or use the search box to locate your missing files. Click the circular checkbox next to each file you wish to recover.
Click the 'Restore' button located at the top of the page. The selected files will automatically return to their original folders.
Search the Site and Document Library
Files are frequently dragged into different folders by mistake. Running a site-wide search can locate misplaced documents.
Use the 'Restore this library' Feature
If multiple files are missing, corrupted, or deleted, you can roll back the entire document library to a previous point in time.
Edit and Manage Your Documents with WPS Office
While SharePoint handles your cloud file storage and recovery, you need a reliable software suite to open and edit those documents. WPS Office is a lightweight, free alternative to Microsoft Office that easily handles all your restored files.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Open Restored Documents: Launch WPS Office and open the files you recently recovered from your SharePoint library.
- 3. Edit and Save: Use the comprehensive editing tools to modify your documents, and save them seamlessly back to your local drive or synced SharePoint folder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SharePoint keep version history for folders?
No, SharePoint Online provides version history for individual files, not for folders. If a folder is modified or missing, you must rely on the Recycle Bin or the 'Restore this library' feature to recover its contents.
How long do deleted files stay in the SharePoint Recycle Bin?
Deleted files typically remain in the SharePoint Recycle Bin for a total of 93 days. This 93-day window covers both the first-stage (user) and second-stage (site collection) recycle bins combined.
What happens to new documents if I use 'Restore this library'?
When you restore a document library to a previous date, any new documents created or edits made after that specific date will be undone and lost. It is highly recommended to back up recent work before initiating a library restore.
Why can't I see the 'Restore this library' option?
The 'Restore this library' feature requires specific permissions. You must be a Site Owner or have Full Control permissions for the document library to see and use this option.
