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How to Recover Deleted Online-Only Files and Folders in OneDrive
Question details
The user needs to recover multiple online-only files and folders that were accidentally deleted from the OneDrive folder in File Explorer.
- Product
- OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Accidental deletion of online-only files from File Explorer where the deletion process was cancelled midway.
- Observed behavior
- Most items disappeared after the deletion was cancelled and cannot be found in the local Windows Recycle Bin.
Before attempting recovery, ensure you have a stable internet connection and have your Microsoft account login credentials ready to access the OneDrive web portal.
Restore Files from the OneDrive.com Recycle Bin
Online-only files deleted from your local OneDrive folder are typically moved to the cloud-based OneDrive Recycle Bin.
Because online-only files do not store a physical copy on your local hard drive, their deletion bypasses the standard Windows Recycle Bin. Checking the web version of OneDrive is the most reliable way to find them.
Open your web browser, navigate to OneDrive.com, and sign in using your Microsoft account credentials.
On the left navigation pane, click on 'Recycle Bin' to view all your recently deleted online-only files and folders.
Select the files or folders you want to recover by clicking the check circle next to their names, then click 'Restore' at the top of the page.
Verify Local Recycle Bin and Upload Status
If files had not completely finished uploading to the cloud, they might be in your local system's Recycle Bin or permanently lost from the cloud.
Contact Support or Use Recovery Software
If files are missing from both local and cloud Recycle Bins, you may need additional help from Microsoft or specialized tools.
Prevent Data Loss with WPS Office's Built-In Cloud and Auto-Save
While recovering files from OneDrive can be stressful, switching to WPS Office provides you with a robust, lightweight, and free Office alternative. It offers full Microsoft Office format compatibility and comes with its own secure WPS Cloud, ensuring your important documents are automatically backed up and easily recoverable.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office for free from the official website to replace your current office suite.
- 2. Sign in to WPS Cloud: Create or log in to your account to activate your free cloud storage space.
- 3. Enable Auto-Backup: Turn on the auto-sync and backup features to secure your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files against accidental deletion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my deleted online-only OneDrive files not in my computer's Recycle Bin?
Online-only files do not take up space on your local hard drive. When you delete them in File Explorer, they bypass your local Windows Recycle Bin and go directly to the cloud-based Recycle Bin at OneDrive.com.
Can I recover OneDrive files if they were deleted before finishing upload?
If a file was deleted before it completely synced to the OneDrive cloud, it will not appear in the OneDrive.com Recycle Bin. If it is not in your local computer's Recycle Bin either, it may be permanently lost.
Does the 'Always keep on this device' option create a separate backup?
No. The 'Always keep on this device' feature simply downloads a synchronized local copy of the file inside your OneDrive folder for offline access. It does not create an independent backup outside of OneDrive.
