Deleted File Recovery

How to Recover Disappeared Microsoft Forms and Form Data

Chanuka Geekiyanage Sep 30, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user is unable to find their Microsoft Forms or the associated response data and needs instructions on how to locate or recover them.

How to Recover Disappeared Microsoft Forms and Form Data

Product: Microsoft Forms
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to access a previously created Microsoft Form or analyze its collected responses, but finding the files missing.
Observed behavior: The form and its corresponding response data have disappeared from the user's dashboard, or the data cannot be found in linked locations.

Before you start

Ensure you are logged into the correct Microsoft 365 work, school, or personal account where the form was originally created before beginning your search.

Solution 1Recommended

Restore from the Deleted Forms Recycle Bin

If the form was accidentally deleted, it might still be recoverable from the built-in recycle bin within the Microsoft Forms portal.

Microsoft Forms retains deleted items for up to 30 days in a dedicated recycle bin. If your form was recently removed, this is the first place you should check.

Access the Forms Portal

Go to forms.office.com in your web browser and sign in with your Microsoft 365 credentials.

Open Deleted Forms

Scroll down to the bottom right of your forms dashboard and click on the 'Deleted forms' icon (recycle bin).

Restore the Missing Form

Locate the disappeared form in the list, click the 'More options' button (three dots) in the bottom right corner of the form tile, and select 'Restore'.

Restore from the Deleted Forms Recycle Bin

Restoration Successful: Once restored, the form and all its existing response data will reappear on your main 'My forms' page.

Solution 2

Locate Forms Created in Linked Microsoft 365 Apps

Forms created directly through other Microsoft 365 applications are stored differently than personal forms.

Solution 3

Recover Response Data Linked to Excel

If you can see the form but the response data seems to be missing, the results might be housed in a specific Excel workbook.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Recovered Form Data with WPS Office

If your Microsoft Forms data was exported or linked to an Excel workbook, you can view, edit, and analyze that data effortlessly using WPS Office. As a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to Microsoft Office, WPS Spreadsheet ensures seamless data management without expensive subscriptions.

1. Download and Install WPS: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and complete the installation on your computer.
2. Open Your Recovered Data: Locate your downloaded or recovered Microsoft Forms Excel data file, right-click it, and select 'Open with WPS Office'.
3. Analyze and Edit: Use the professional spreadsheet tools in WPS Office to filter responses, create pivot tables, and manage your form data efficiently.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx and .csv) formats to view form responsesLightweight software ensures quick opening of large data files without lagBuilt-in robust data analysis, filtering, and chart visualization toolsFamiliar user interface requires no learning curve and ensures seamless migration

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do deleted Microsoft Forms stay in the recycle bin?

Deleted Microsoft Forms are typically kept in the 'Deleted forms' recycle bin for 30 days. After this 30-day period, they are permanently removed from the server and cannot be recovered.

Can I recover form data if the linked Excel file was deleted?

Yes, if the linked Excel file was deleted from OneDrive or SharePoint, you can check the respective platform's Recycle Bin to restore the workbook. Once the file is restored to its original location, the form responses should resume syncing.

Why is my Microsoft Form not showing up under my personal account?

If the form was created collaboratively for a team or organization, it is likely stored under 'Group forms' rather than your personal forms list. Check your Microsoft Teams channels or SharePoint groups to locate group-owned forms.

What details should I provide if I need to contact Microsoft Support for a missing form?

When contacting support, be prepared to provide the form owner's account details, the location where it was created, the approximate date the form disappeared, and any specific error messages you encountered.

Migration & Recovery