Deleted File Recovery

How to Recover Embedded OneNote Photos After OneDrive Deletion

Kushani Nimanthika Sep 29, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to recover photos embedded in a OneNote notebook after the files were permanently deleted from OneDrive.

How to Recover Embedded OneNote Photos After OneDrive Deletion

Product: Microsoft OneNote and OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to retrieve missing OneNote images following a permanent deletion of the notebook data from OneDrive.
Observed behavior: The embedded images are missing or unreadable because the core OneNote notebook data they were stored in has been deleted from the cloud.

Before you start

Stop saving new files to your device immediately to prevent overwriting any remaining local cache or temporary files that might contain your images.

Solution 1Recommended

Restore Notebook Data from OneDrive Recycle Bin

The most reliable method is to check if the deleted OneNote notebook is still available in the cloud recycle bin before it is permanently removed.

Embedded OneNote images are stored directly within the notebook data rather than as separate image files. Restoring the entire notebook from OneDrive is the best way to get your photos back.

Access OneDrive

Open Recycle Bin

Navigate to the left-hand sidebar and click on 'Recycle bin'.

Restore Files

Locate your deleted OneNote notebook files, check the box next to them, and click 'Restore' at the top of the page.

Restore Notebook Data from OneDrive Recycle Bin

Retention Period: OneDrive typically keeps deleted items in the recycle bin for 30 days for personal accounts and up to 93 days for work or school accounts.

Solution 2

Search Local Caches and Backup Folders

If the cloud files are gone, you can try locating the original source files or local OneNote backups on your computer's hard drive.

Solution 3

Utilize Professional Data Recovery Software

When files are permanently deleted from OneDrive and no local copies exist, specialized recovery software might salvage the original image files from your local drive.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Secure Document Management

While recovering permanently deleted OneDrive files can be challenging, switching to WPS Office offers a seamless, lightweight, and free alternative to Microsoft Office. With robust local auto-backup features and cloud sync, you can keep your documents and inserted images safe from accidental loss.

1. Download WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office from the official website.
2. Open Existing Documents: Open your existing Microsoft Office documents directly in WPS Office without losing formatting.
3. Enable Cloud Backup: Turn on WPS Cloud backup to automatically save and protect your files from accidental deletion.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Built-in cloud syncing and powerful local auto-backup options to prevent data loss.Lightweight design that runs smoothly on almost any desktop or mobile device.Familiar, intuitive user interface that makes switching effortless.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover OneNote images from a separate .bin file?

No, embedded images are normally stored directly within the OneNote notebook data structure itself, not as separate .bin files. You must recover the notebook file or locate the original source image.

Where does OneNote save its local backups on Windows?

By default, the Windows desktop version of OneNote saves local backups in the hidden AppData folder, typically located at C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneNote\[Version]\Backup.

Are embedded images guaranteed to be in the local OneNote cache?

No. While local OneNote caches may contain thumbnails or file metadata, they often do not contain the complete high-resolution image data, especially if the notebook wasn't fully synced or backed up prior to deletion.

Migration & Recovery