Deleted File Recovery

How to Recover a Missing or Deleted SharePoint Site Folder

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

A shared SharePoint folder or document library has disappeared, making the contents inaccessible to both administrators and standard employees.

Product: Microsoft SharePoint Online
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Users need to find and restore a shared folder or document library that suddenly went missing or was accidentally deleted.
Observed behavior: The folder is completely missing from the SharePoint site structure, and users are greeted with errors when trying to access previously shared links to the content.

Before you start

Verify that you have Site Collection Administrator permissions before attempting the recovery process, as standard members cannot access the second-stage recycle bin or site audit logs.

Solution 1Recommended

Restore the Folder from the SharePoint Recycle Bins

The quickest way to retrieve a deleted folder is by checking both the primary and secondary recycle bins on your SharePoint site.

When an item is deleted in SharePoint, it is first moved to the site's recycle bin. If purged from there, it drops into the second-stage recycle bin, where it remains for the rest of the 93-day retention period.

Access the First-Stage Recycle Bin

Navigate to your SharePoint site and click on 'Recycle bin' located in the left-hand Quick Launch navigation menu.

Search and Restore

Look for your missing folder in the list. If you find it, check the box next to the folder name and click the 'Restore' button at the top of the page.

Check the Second-Stage Recycle Bin

If the folder is not in the primary bin, scroll to the bottom of the recycle bin page and click the link for the 'Second-stage recycle bin'.

Restore from Second-Stage

Locate the folder in the second-stage recycle bin, select it, and click 'Restore' to return it to its original document library.

Solution 2

Review Purview Audit Logs and Contact Microsoft Support

If the folder is missing from all recycle bins, you will need to track its deletion activity and escalate the issue to Microsoft Support for backend restoration.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do deleted files stay in the SharePoint Recycle Bin?

Deleted files and folders are retained in the SharePoint Recycle Bins for a total of 93 days. This timeline covers both the first-stage and second-stage recycle bins combined.

Why can't I see the second-stage recycle bin in SharePoint?

The second-stage recycle bin is only visible to users who possess Site Collection Administrator permissions. Standard members or owners without this specific administrative role cannot access it.

Can I recover a SharePoint folder if it was permanently deleted 20 days ago?

If the folder was permanently purged from the second-stage recycle bin more than 14 days ago, it cannot be recovered. Microsoft Support only maintains backups for 14 days post-purging.

Migration & Recovery