Deleted File Recovery

How to Restore Files Deleted from OneDrive Second-Stage Recycle Bin

Tauseeq Magsi Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to know if it is possible to restore files that have been permanently deleted from the OneDrive for Business or School second-stage recycle bin.

How to Restore Files Deleted from the OneDrive Second-Stage Recycle Bin

Product: Microsoft OneDrive for Business/School
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Recovering permanently deleted files from OneDrive after they have been removed from both the first and second-stage recycle bins.
Observed behavior: Files are missing from both recycle bins, and standard user-level recovery options are no longer available.

Before you start

Gather the exact file path, at least one missing file name, and the OneDrive or SharePoint URL before requesting administrative support.

Solution 1Recommended

Request Backend Restoration via Microsoft 365 Admin Center

Use this method to initiate a backend recovery if files are permanently deleted from both recycle bins and you are within the Microsoft 365 retention period.

Microsoft Support can often restore files from backend backups if the request is made promptly after deletion from the second-stage recycle bin.

Because restoration is typically performed at the site level rather than for individual files, recovering older data will revert the entire directory to a previous state, potentially affecting newer files.

Gather File Information

Write down at least one missing file name, the original file path, the OneDrive URL, and the date the file was last known to exist. A few file names from an affected folder are sufficient for Support to locate the audit records.

Back Up Recent Files

Since site-level restoration will revert your entire OneDrive site to a previous point in time, manually back up any new or changed files created after the deletion event to prevent further data loss.

Contact Your Administrator

Reach out to your school or organization's Microsoft 365 administrator immediately with the gathered file information.

Submit Support Request (For Admins)

The administrator must go to the Microsoft 365 admin center, navigate to Support > Help and support, and click Contact support to initiate a backend recovery request with Microsoft.

Request Backend Restoration via Microsoft 365 Admin Center

Time-sensitive action: Backend restoration requests must be made quickly, as Microsoft only retains these backups for a limited recovery period (usually 14 days after permanent deletion).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to provide the name of every lost file for the recovery request?

No, providing every file name is not necessary. A few file names from the affected folder are enough to help Microsoft Support locate the audit records and confirm the deletion event to restore the folder.

Why do I need to back up newer files before requesting a backend restoration?

Microsoft typically restores OneDrive files at the site level. This means your entire OneDrive directory reverts to its previous state, and any files added or modified after the target restoration date will be lost if they are not backed up.

Who can request this backend restoration?

Only a designated Microsoft 365 administrator (such as your school or company IT admin) can initiate a backend recovery request through the Microsoft 365 admin center under the Help and support section.