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How to Recover Files Deleted from the OneDrive Recycle Bin
Question details
The user wants to know if it is possible to recover files that have been deleted from the OneDrive Recycle Bin and whether purchasing a premium subscription will help restore them.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to restore files after they were emptied or permanently deleted from the cloud storage recycle bin.
- Observed behavior
- Files are missing from the OneDrive Recycle Bin, and standard recovery methods are failing without a premium subscription.
Stop uploading or syncing new files to your OneDrive account immediately to prevent overwriting any hidden versions, and verify the exact names of the missing files.
Check the Second-Stage Recycle Bin and Version History on OneDrive Web
Sometimes files deleted from the primary Recycle Bin can still be found in the Second-Stage Recycle Bin or recovered via file versioning.
If you use a work or school account, OneDrive features a Second-Stage Recycle Bin that retains files after they are deleted from the primary bin.
For modified files, Version History can help you roll back to a previously saved state before the deletion occurred.
Open a web browser, navigate to the OneDrive website, and sign in to your Microsoft account.
Click on 'Recycle bin' in the left navigation pane to see if the files are still available there.
Scroll to the bottom of the Recycle Bin page. If you are on a business or school account, click the 'Second-stage recycle bin' link and search for your missing files.
If you are trying to recover overwritten content, locate the file, right-click it, select 'Version history', and restore an earlier iteration.
Use the 'Restore your OneDrive' Feature
If you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription, you can restore your entire OneDrive to a previous time to recover deleted files.
Contact Microsoft Support
If files are permanently deleted and cannot be found using standard recovery options, contacting support is the final option for business-critical data.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management and Built-in Cloud Backup
While recovering permanently deleted files from OneDrive can be difficult, managing your documents shouldn't be a hassle. WPS Office offers a lightweight, free alternative to Microsoft Office with high compatibility and its own dependable WPS Cloud storage to keep your files automatically backed up and safe.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website, download the free suite, and install it on your computer or mobile device.
- 2. Sign in to Enable WPS Cloud: Log in with your email or social account to activate your free cloud storage space.
- 3. Enable Auto-Backup: Go to settings and turn on the auto-sync and file roaming features to automatically save document versions and prevent permanent data loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will buying a Microsoft 365 premium subscription restore my permanently deleted files?
No. Purchasing a Microsoft 365 subscription after the files have been permanently deleted from the Recycle Bin does not retroactively guarantee or enable the restoration of those lost files.
How long do deleted files stay in the OneDrive Recycle Bin?
For personal Microsoft accounts, deleted files remain in the Recycle Bin for 30 days. For work or school accounts, they are kept for 93 days unless the bin is manually emptied or exceeds its storage quota.
Can I recover a deleted shared file in OneDrive?
Yes, if you have edit permissions for the shared file, you can check your Recycle Bin. However, if the owner permanently deleted the file, only the original owner can attempt to restore it.
What is the Second-Stage Recycle Bin?
The Second-Stage Recycle Bin is a hidden recovery folder primarily available for SharePoint and OneDrive for Business users. It temporarily holds files that have been emptied from the primary Recycle Bin for the remainder of the retention period.
