Deleted File Recovery

How to Recover OneDrive After Microsoft Account Deletion

Olivia Miller Oct 9, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know if it is possible to recover OneDrive data and services after the associated Microsoft account has been deleted.

How to Recover OneDrive Files After Microsoft Account Deletion

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to retrieve cloud storage files after closing or deleting the linked Microsoft account.
Observed behavior: The Microsoft account has reached the end of its deletion period, making connected services like OneDrive permanently inaccessible.

Before you start

Check the exact date you requested your Microsoft account closure to determine if you are still within the optional 30-day or 60-day grace period.

Solution 1Recommended

Recover the Microsoft Account Within the Grace Period

Use this method if the 30-day or 60-day deletion period has not yet expired.

When you close a Microsoft account, Microsoft provides a 30- or 60-day grace period before the account and its connected services, including OneDrive, are permanently deleted. If you are still within this window, you can fully restore your account and all your files.

Go to the Microsoft Sign-in Page

Open your web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft account sign-in page at account.microsoft.com.

Log In with Your Credentials

Enter the email address and password of the Microsoft account you previously requested to delete.

Verify Your Identity

Follow the on-screen prompts to receive and enter a security code sent to your alternate email or phone number.

Cancel the Account Closure

Click on the 'Reopen account' button to cancel the deletion process. Your OneDrive files and account data will now be fully restored and accessible.

Recover the Microsoft Account Within the Grace Period

Account Restored: Once reopened, all your synced OneDrive files, emails, and Microsoft subscriptions will be available exactly as you left them.

Solution 2

Create a New Microsoft Account (After Grace Period Expires)

If more than 60 days have passed, the account cannot be recovered and you must set up a new one.

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Start Fresh with WPS Office Cloud

If your Microsoft account and OneDrive data are permanently deleted, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. Enjoy familiar interfaces, secure cloud backups, and seamless editing of all Microsoft Office file formats without the hefty subscription fees.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your device.
2. Install and Launch: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software and launch the application.
3. Enable WPS Cloud: Sign in to activate your free WPS Cloud storage and start backing up your files automatically.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover my OneDrive files if 60 days have already passed?

No. Once the 30- or 60-day deletion period expires, Microsoft permanently deletes the account and all associated data, including OneDrive files. They cannot be recovered by you or by Microsoft support.

What happens to the OneDrive files stored locally on my PC?

Any OneDrive files that were downloaded and physically stored on your computer's hard drive before the account deletion will remain accessible. However, they will no longer sync to the cloud, and any cloud-only files will be lost.

How do I choose between a 30-day and 60-day deletion period?

When you initiate the account closure process in your Microsoft account settings, a prompt will appear allowing you to select either a 30-day or a 60-day grace period before permanent deletion occurs.

If I create a new Microsoft account with the same email, do my old OneDrive files return?

No. Even if you manage to register a new account using the exact same email address after the old one was purged, it will be treated as a completely new account with empty OneDrive storage.

Migration & Recovery