Deleted File Recovery

How to Recover Deleted SharePoint List Attachments

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The organization needs to determine how to recover attachments from a SharePoint list that were deleted without authorization after being stored for approximately two years.

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Recovering unauthorized deletions of long-standing SharePoint list attachments.
Observed behavior: Attachments have disappeared from the SharePoint list and need to be restored to their original location for organizational use.

Before you start

Ensure you have the appropriate site permissions, such as Site Owner or Member, to access the SharePoint Recycle Bin and Site Assets folder. If server-level recovery is required, you must have your Microsoft 365 administrator's contact information ready.

Solution 1Recommended

Check the SharePoint Recycle Bin and Site Assets

The first and most accessible method is to look for the deleted attachments in the SharePoint site's standard recovery areas.

When files or attachments are deleted in SharePoint, they are not immediately destroyed. Instead, they are moved to the site Recycle Bin where they can be restored by users with the right permissions.

Navigate to Site Contents

Open your SharePoint site and click on 'Site Contents' in the left-hand navigation menu or from the gear icon (Settings).

Check Site Assets

Open the 'Site Assets' folder to verify if the attachment files were accidentally moved or are still stored there.

Open the Recycle Bin

Go to the 'Recycle bin' (usually found in the site settings or left navigation panel) and search for the deleted attachments.

Check the Second-Stage Recycle Bin

If the files are not found in the primary Recycle bin, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the 'Second-stage recycle bin' link to check for permanently deleted items.

Restore the Files

Select the missing attachment files by checking the boxes next to their names, and click the 'Restore' button to return them to their original location.

Retention Period: SharePoint keeps deleted items in the Recycle Bin (first and second stages combined) for 93 days before they are permanently purged.

Solution 2

Request Server-Side Recovery via Microsoft 365 Admin

If the files are purged from both recycle bins, a Microsoft 365 administrator must request backend recovery directly from Microsoft.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for a reliable document management solution? Try WPS Office

While recovering server-side files requires complex Microsoft 365 administration, you can enhance your daily productivity and secure your local files with WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, comprehensive suite for creating, editing, and managing your documents efficiently.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
2. Install and Launch: Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. Once installed, launch the application to access Writer, Spreadsheets, and Presentation.
3. Save and Sync: Sign in to a WPS account to automatically back up your important documents to WPS Cloud, preventing future data loss.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats.Built-in cloud sync for easy document backup, helping prevent accidental data loss like missing attachments.Free and lightweight suite, requiring minimal system resources to run smoothly.Familiar, intuitive user interface for seamless migration from other office suites.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

How long are deleted files kept in the SharePoint Recycle Bin?

Files deleted from a SharePoint site are typically kept in the Recycle Bin for a total of 93 days. This retention period covers both the first-stage and second-stage recycle bins combined.

Can I recover attachments if the 93-day recycle bin period has passed?

Once the 93-day retention period expires, files are purged from the standard recycle bins. However, Microsoft support may be able to perform a server-side restoration if an administrator opens a support ticket within an additional 14-day window after the permanent deletion.

Who can access the second-stage recycle bin in SharePoint?

Only Site Collection Administrators or users with Owner-level permissions can access, view, and restore items from the second-stage (or site collection) recycle bin.

Migration & Recovery