Deleted File Recovery

How to Fix OneDrive Restored Folder Missing Files

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to recover files that were not restored when recovering a deleted folder from the OneDrive recycle bin.

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Restoring a deleted folder from the OneDrive recycle bin.
Observed behavior: The folder is restored, but the files inside it remain missing, forcing the user to search for and restore files individually.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and verify that you are logged into the correct Microsoft account. Check the recycle bin again to ensure the files haven't appeared after a short syncing delay.

Solution 1Recommended

Restore Your Entire OneDrive to a Previous State

Use the 'Restore your OneDrive' feature to roll back all files and folders to a specific point in time within the last 30 days.

This is the most efficient method if multiple files are missing from a restored folder, as it rolls back your entire OneDrive environment to a time before the deletion occurred.

Access OneDrive Settings

Go to the OneDrive website, sign in with your Microsoft account, and click the Settings (gear) icon at the top right of the page.

Open the Restore Tool

Select 'Options' from the menu, then click on 'Restore your OneDrive' from the left navigation pane.

Select a Date

On the Restore page, select a date from the dropdown list (such as Yesterday, One week ago, or Custom date and time).

Confirm and Restore

Use the activity chart and feed to identify the exact time you want to restore to, then click the 'Restore' button to initiate the rollback.

Important Limitation: Restoring your OneDrive will undo all actions that occurred after the selected date. Ensure you back up any new files created since that date before proceeding.

Solution 2

Restore the Missing Files Individually from the Recycle Bin

If a full OneDrive rollback is not desired, you can manually locate and select the missing files from the recycle bin.

Solution 3

Contact Microsoft Support or IT Administrator

If the files are completely missing from the recycle bin or the restore tool fails, you will need to request backend recovery assistance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my OneDrive folder restore without its files?

This usually happens due to a sync glitch, backend server delays, or if the files were deleted in a separate action from the folder itself. The folder is restored as a structural element, but the files may remain in the recycle bin.

How long do deleted files stay in the OneDrive recycle bin?

For personal Microsoft accounts, deleted items are kept in the recycle bin for 30 days. For work or school accounts, they are retained for 93 days unless the IT administrator has altered the retention policy.

Can I recover files if they are no longer in the OneDrive recycle bin?

If items have been permanently deleted from the primary recycle bin, work or school account users can check the Second-stage recycle bin. Alternatively, you can use the 'Restore your OneDrive' feature within a 30-day window to roll back the account.

Migration & Recovery