Deleted File Recovery

How to Recover Deleted OneDrive Files and Contact Support

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to recover deleted files or folders in Microsoft OneDrive and find out how to contact OneDrive technical support if standard recovery tools do not work.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Files or folders have been accidentally deleted or lost from a OneDrive account, requiring data restoration or support intervention.
Observed behavior: The user requires step-by-step instructions to use built-in recovery options like the Recycle Bin and OneDrive Restore, as well as the official feedback link to reach Microsoft support.

Before you start

Verify that you are signed into the correct Microsoft account associated with the missing files, and check your local device's Recycle Bin or Trash just in case the files were deleted from a synced local folder.

Solution 1Recommended

Restore Files from the OneDrive Recycle Bin

The quickest way to retrieve accidentally deleted files is to check the built-in Recycle Bin in OneDrive on the web.

When you delete a file in OneDrive, it is not permanently erased immediately. Instead, it is moved to the OneDrive Recycle Bin where it stays for up to 30 days for personal accounts before being permanently deleted.

Sign in to OneDrive online

Navigate to onedrive.live.com in your web browser and sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.

Open the Recycle Bin

Look at the left-hand navigation pane and click on 'Recycle bin' to view your recently deleted items.

Select the files to restore

Find the missing files or folders in the list and select them by clicking the circle checkmark next to each item's name.

Restore the files

Click the 'Restore' button located in the top menu bar to return the selected items to their original locations.

Quick Tip: If you are syncing OneDrive to a Windows PC, you can also often find these deleted files in your standard Windows desktop Recycle Bin.

Solution 2

Use the 'Restore your OneDrive' Feature

If you have a paid Microsoft 365 subscription, you can undo all actions that occurred on any files and folders within the last 30 days.

Solution 3

Contact the OneDrive Support Team

If self-recovery methods fail and your files appear to be permanently gone, you can reach out directly to Microsoft's OneDrive team for further assistance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

For personal Microsoft accounts, deleted files are typically kept in the recycle bin for 30 days. If the recycle bin becomes full, the oldest items are automatically deleted three days after the bin exceeds its storage limit.

Can I recover files deleted permanently from the OneDrive recycle bin?

Once files are emptied or manually deleted from the OneDrive recycle bin, they are generally permanently lost. However, Microsoft 365 subscribers can try the 'Restore your OneDrive' feature to revert the entire drive to a previous point in time within the last 30 days.

Why can't I find the 'Restore your OneDrive' option?

The 'Restore your OneDrive' feature is an exclusive benefit for users with an active Microsoft 365 subscription. If you are using the free version of OneDrive, this option will not be available in your account settings.

What information should I provide when contacting OneDrive support?

When emailing OneDrive support, clearly state the names of the missing files or folders, the approximate date they were deleted, the URL of the folder where they were originally stored, and confirm that you have already checked the recycle bin.

Migration & Recovery