Deleted File Recovery

How to Restore Deleted Microsoft Teams Group Files in SharePoint

Huda Qurayshi Sep 25, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to recover SharePoint files and folders that are still missing after a deleted Microsoft Teams group was restored.

How to Restore Missing SharePoint Files After Recovering a Microsoft Teams Group

Product: Microsoft 365 / SharePoint / Microsoft Teams
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: A deleted Microsoft Teams group was successfully restored via the Microsoft 365 Admin Center, but the associated SharePoint files have not reappeared.
Observed behavior: The Teams group is restored, but the SharePoint document library content remains missing despite the administrator having full permissions.

Before you start

Ensure you have global administrator or SharePoint administrator permissions in Microsoft 365, and note that it may take up to 24 hours for backend files to fully sync and reappear after a group restoration.

Solution 1Recommended

Check SharePoint Recycle Bins and Preservation Hold Library

Wait for the synchronization process to complete and manually check the SharePoint recycle bins for the missing files.

When a Microsoft 365 group is restored, the connection to its SharePoint site is re-established, but document libraries can sometimes experience a delay in displaying content. Checking the recycle bins ensures the files were not permanently purged during the deletion period.

Allow Time for Synchronization

Wait at least 24 hours after restoring the Microsoft Teams group to allow sufficient time for SharePoint content to fully sync and reappear naturally.

Check First-Stage Recycle Bin

Navigate to the restored SharePoint site, go to 'Site contents' via the gear icon, and click on 'Recycle bin' to look for the missing files and folders.

Check Second-Stage Recycle Bin

If the files are not located in the first-stage bin, scroll to the absolute bottom of the Recycle bin page and click on the 'Second-stage recycle bin' link to check the site collection bin.

Inspect the Preservation Hold Library

If your organization uses retention policies, navigate to 'Site contents' and check the 'Preservation Hold Library' for copies of the missing documents.

Check SharePoint Recycle Bins and Preservation Hold Library

Retention Policies: The Preservation Hold Library will only appear and contain files if a retention policy or an eDiscovery hold was actively applied to the SharePoint site prior to its deletion.

Solution 2

Request a Point-in-Time Restoration from Microsoft Support

If the files remain missing after 24 hours and are absent from all recycle bins, escalate the issue to Microsoft Support for a backend recovery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for SharePoint files to restore after recovering a Teams group?

It typically takes a few hours, but it can take up to 24 hours for all backend synchronizations to complete and for files to reappear in the SharePoint document library.

Who can perform a point-in-time restoration for a SharePoint site?

Only Microsoft Support can perform a true point-in-time restoration for a SharePoint site. A Microsoft 365 administrator must open a service request to initiate this process within 14 days of the deletion.

Where is the second-stage recycle bin in SharePoint?

To find the second-stage recycle bin, go to your SharePoint site's main recycle bin and scroll to the very bottom of the page. You will see a link for the second-stage (or site collection) recycle bin.

What is the Preservation Hold Library?

The Preservation Hold Library is a special hidden library in SharePoint that stores copies of files modified or deleted when a retention policy or eDiscovery hold is applied to the site.