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How to Fix Cannot Restore OneDrive Files When Storage Quota Is Full
Question details
The user is unable to restore deleted files from the OneDrive recycle bin because the account has reached its storage quota limit.
- Product
- OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to recover deleted documents from the OneDrive recycle bin while the account is out of storage space.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive blocks the restoration of deleted files, displaying a full storage quota error or freezing the account, even if visible active usage appears low.
Log in to your OneDrive account through a web browser to check your current storage usage and verify if your account is temporarily frozen due to exceeding the quota limit.
Permanently Delete Unnecessary Files to Free Up Quota
Because items in the recycle bin count against your total storage quota, you must permanently delete unwanted files to make room before restoring the ones you need.
OneDrive calculates your storage quota based on both active files and deleted files sitting in your recycle bin. When the limit is reached, you cannot restore items without first making space.
Go to onedrive.com using your web browser and sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.
Click on 'Recycle bin' located in the left navigation pane to view all deleted items.
Select the files or folders you no longer need and click 'Delete' at the top to permanently remove them, which will immediately free up your storage quota.
Once sufficient space is cleared, select the specific files you originally wanted to recover and click 'Restore' to return them to their original location.
Upgrade Your Storage Plan to Unfreeze the Account
If your account is frozen or you do not want to permanently delete any files, purchasing additional cloud storage will instantly resolve the quota limit issue.
Switch to WPS Office for a Seamless Document Experience
While OneDrive handles your Microsoft cloud storage, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office. With built-in WPS Cloud storage, you can easily backup, sync, and recover your files across all devices without heavy subscription fees.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free software for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the application.
- 3. Enable Cloud Sync: Log in to your WPS account to claim your free cloud storage space and enable auto-sync for seamless document backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do files in the OneDrive recycle bin count against my storage quota?
Yes, deleted files stored in the OneDrive recycle bin continue to occupy space and count against your total storage quota until they are permanently deleted or the retention period expires.
How long do deleted files stay in the OneDrive recycle bin?
For standard Microsoft accounts, deleted files are typically kept in the recycle bin for 30 days before being permanently removed. For Microsoft 365 work or school accounts, the retention period is generally 93 days unless changed by an administrator.
What happens if my OneDrive account is frozen?
If your account is frozen due to exceeding the storage limit for an extended period, you will not be able to upload, edit, or sync new files. You must either free up space by permanently deleting files or purchase additional storage to restore full functionality.
