Deleted File Recovery

How to Recover Missing Files in a Deleted OneDrive Folder

Ayan Masood Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is attempting to recover missing files from a large OneDrive folder that was deleted. Although the folder reappeared after a restore attempt, the files inside are missing and cannot be found in the recycle bin.

How to Recover Missing Files in a Deleted OneDrive Folder

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Recovering missing documents (such as PDFs) from a large folder that was accidentally deleted and partially restored.
Observed behavior: The deleted folder successfully reappears after executing a OneDrive restore, but all the files previously stored inside it remain missing and are absent from both the first and second-stage recycle bins.

Before you start

Before attempting a full account restore, verify that your files are not hiding in the OneDrive Second-Stage Recycle Bin online, and check the activity log to confirm exactly when the deletion occurred.

Solution 1Recommended

Restore OneDrive to a Previous Time

Use the built-in 'Restore your OneDrive' feature to undo all actions that occurred on your files and folders within the last 30 days.

This feature is specifically designed for Microsoft 365 subscribers to recover from mass deletions, file corruption, or ransomware attacks. It will revert your entire OneDrive to the exact state it was in at the selected date and time.

Log in to OneDrive online

Go to the OneDrive website and sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.

Access settings

Click the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner of the screen, then select 'Options' or 'OneDrive settings'.

Select Restore your OneDrive

Click on 'Restore your OneDrive' from the left navigation pane. If you are using a personal account, you may need to verify your identity.

Choose a date

Select a date from the dropdown menu (such as 'Yesterday' or 'Custom date and time') that corresponds to a time before the folder was deleted.

Review activity and restore

Use the activity chart and feed to pinpoint the exact deletion event. Select the activities you want to undo, then click 'Restore'.

Sync Delay: For large folders, the restore process may take some time. Leave the web page open and check back later to see if the missing files have reappeared.

Solution 2

Open a Microsoft 365 Support Ticket for Backend Investigation

If files remain missing after a restore and are absent from the recycle bins, Microsoft Support must investigate the account from the backend.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my OneDrive folder restore but the files inside are missing?

This usually happens due to a sync delay with large data transfers, or because the files were permanently purged from the server's backend before the restore command was fully executed. In these cases, backend intervention by Microsoft is often required.

Where is the second-stage recycle bin in OneDrive?

To find the second-stage recycle bin, log into OneDrive on the web, click 'Recycle bin' on the left navigation pane, and scroll to the very bottom of the page. You will see a link that says 'Second-stage recycle bin'.

Can Microsoft Support recover permanently deleted files?

Yes, but within a limited timeframe. Microsoft Support administrators can often recover permanently deleted files if a support ticket is opened within 14 days of the files being emptied from the second-stage recycle bin.

How long does OneDrive keep deleted files?

For personal accounts, deleted files are kept in the recycle bin for 30 days. For work or school accounts, the default retention period is 93 days unless changed by your organization's administrator.

Migration & Recovery