Deleted File Recovery

How to Recover Deleted SharePoint Files and Prevent Mass Deletions

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users need to recover large batches of deleted SharePoint files and set up administrative alerts and policies to prevent mass deletions from recurring.

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Large numbers of files are disappearing from SharePoint document libraries while the folder structures remain intact, prompting the need for data recovery and proactive monitoring.
Observed behavior: Files are being deleted in bulk without triggering immediate administrative alerts, often leaving empty folders behind, potentially due to OneDrive sync issues or policy gaps.

Before you start

Ensure you have Site Collection Administrator permissions, as accessing the second-stage recycle bin and configuring Microsoft 365 compliance center alert policies require elevated privileges.

Solution 1Recommended

Recover Files from the SharePoint Recycle Bin

Use this built-in feature to restore recently deleted files before they are permanently purged from the system.

SharePoint retains deleted files in a two-stage recycle bin system. When a user deletes a file, it goes to the first-stage recycle bin. If deleted from there, it moves to the second-stage recycle bin, which only site collection administrators can access.

Access the Site Recycle Bin

Navigate to your SharePoint site and click on 'Recycle bin' in the left-hand navigation menu or under Site Settings.

Select Files to Restore

Check the boxes next to the large batches of files you want to recover.

Restore the Files

Click the 'Restore' button at the top of the list to return the files to their original document libraries.

Check the Second-Stage Recycle Bin

If the files are not in the main recycle bin, scroll to the bottom of the page and click 'Second-stage recycle bin' (requires admin rights) to find and restore them.

Retention Period: SharePoint generally retains deleted files in the recycle bins for up to 93 days by default before they are permanently deleted.

Solution 2

Configure Microsoft 365 Alert Policies and Audit Logging

Set up alerts in the compliance portal to notify administrators immediately when mass deletions occur.

Solution 3

Investigate OneDrive Synchronization Issues

Prevent mass deletions caused by local client syncing errors or accidental local deletions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does SharePoint keep deleted files?

By default, deleted files are retained in the SharePoint Recycle Bin for up to 93 days. This timeline includes the time spent in both the first-stage and second-stage recycle bins.

Who can access the second-stage Recycle Bin in SharePoint?

Only users with Site Collection Administrator privileges can access the second-stage Recycle Bin to restore files that were deleted from the regular site Recycle Bin.

Can OneDrive sync issues cause SharePoint files to be deleted?

Yes. If a user syncs a SharePoint document library to their local computer via OneDrive and then deletes the local files (often to save hard drive space), those deletions will sync to SharePoint and remove the files from the cloud as well.

How can I automatically notify administrators of mass deletions?

You can use Microsoft 365 alert policies in the compliance portal, configure Data Loss Prevention (DLP) alerts, or build custom Power Automate flows triggered by file deletion events in specific document libraries.