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How to Restore More Than 100 Deleted SharePoint Files
Question details
The user needs to recover a massive amount of accidentally deleted SharePoint files but is blocked by a restriction that limits recycle bin selections to batches of 100 items.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint / OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to restore tens of thousands of accidentally deleted files from the SharePoint or OneDrive recycle bin.
- Observed behavior
- The recycle bin interface only allows selecting and restoring up to 100 files at a time, making large-scale recovery manually tedious or impossible without administrator assistance.
Verify if you have Microsoft 365 Administrator privileges, as contacting support for large-scale backend recovery requires an admin account.
Contact Microsoft 365 Support for Large-Scale Recovery
Best for restoring tens of thousands of files where manual batching is impossible.
Because the SharePoint and OneDrive web interfaces limit bulk selections, restoring amounts as high as 100,000 files requires Microsoft's backend intervention. An administrator must submit a service request.
Go to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center and sign in with your administrator credentials.
On the left-hand navigation menu, select 'Support' and then click on 'New service request'.
Detail your issue, specifying the exact SharePoint site or OneDrive account and the time of accidental deletion. Submit the request for Microsoft's engineering team to process.
Restore Files Manually in Batches
Ideal if you only have a few hundred files to restore and do not want to wait for Microsoft Support.
Manage and Protect Your Files Easily with WPS Office
If dealing with restrictive recovery limits in Microsoft 365 is slowing you down, consider trying WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, user-friendly environment with excellent format compatibility and reliable file backup options to prevent data loss.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
- 2. Install the Application: Run the downloaded installer file and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the software.
- 3. Start Creating and Managing: Launch WPS Office, sign in for free cloud benefits, and enjoy seamless document management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can I only select 100 files at a time in the SharePoint recycle bin?
The web interface for SharePoint and OneDrive limits bulk selection to 100 items per batch to ensure browser performance and maintain server stability during file operations.
How long do deleted files remain in the SharePoint recycle bin?
Deleted files are typically retained in the primary SharePoint recycle bin for 93 days. After this period, they are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered by regular users.
Can a standard user request a large-scale restore from Microsoft?
No. Only users with Microsoft 365 Administrator privileges can access the Admin Center to submit a 'New service request' for large-scale file restorations.
