How to Find the OneDrive for Business Recycle Bin to Restore Files
Question details
The user needs to locate the Recycle Bin in OneDrive for Business to recover accidentally deleted files or folders.
- Product
- OneDrive for Business
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Recovering accidentally deleted files or folders stored in a business OneDrive account before the retention period expires.
- Observed behavior
- The user is looking for the exact location of the recycle bin to successfully restore files, as it is not visible in the traditional desktop File Explorer.
Ensure you have an active internet connection and your Microsoft Office 365 business credentials ready, as the recycle bin must be accessed through the OneDrive web interface.
Access the Recycle Bin via OneDrive Online
Use the web version of OneDrive to find your deleted items and restore them to their original location.
The OneDrive for Business Recycle Bin is distinct from your computer's local Recycle Bin. Because your files are hosted in the cloud, any deleted files are sent to a cloud-based recycle bin. You must log into the web portal to view and recover these items before the standard 93-day retention period ends.
Open your preferred web browser, navigate to Office.com, and sign in using your business or school account credentials.
Click on the App Launcher icon (the grid of dots) in the top-left corner and select 'OneDrive' to open the OneDrive Online interface.
Look at the left navigation pane and click on 'Recycle bin'. This will display all your recently deleted files and folders.
Select the checkboxes next to the files or folders you want to recover, then click the 'Restore' button at the top of the page. The items will be returned to their original folders.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long are files kept in the OneDrive for Business Recycle Bin?
By default, deleted files are retained in the Recycle Bin for 93 days. Unless manually emptied earlier or modified by your IT administrator's specific retention policies, they will be permanently deleted after this period.
Can I find the OneDrive for Business Recycle Bin in Windows File Explorer?
No, the OneDrive for Business Recycle Bin is not accessible through your local desktop File Explorer. You must sign in to OneDrive Online via your web browser to view and restore cloud-deleted items.
What happens if a file is deleted directly from the OneDrive Recycle Bin?
If a file is manually deleted from the primary Recycle Bin, it is moved to the Second-stage recycle bin (also known as the Site collection recycle bin). It remains there for the remainder of the 93-day retention period, but usually requires an IT admin to restore it.
