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How to Restore OneDrive Files and Move Them Back to the Desktop
Question details
The user needs to recover files that became inaccessible after using the 'Free up space' feature in OneDrive and wants to move them back to local desktop storage.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user selected 'Free up space' in OneDrive, which removed local copies of their files, and now they need to restore these files back to the desktop.
- Observed behavior
- Files are no longer accessible locally on the desktop and must be downloaded or recovered from the cloud or OneDrive recycle bin.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection before beginning the recovery process, and do not delete any remaining local or cloud copies of your files to prevent permanent data loss.
Download Files from OneDrive Online
Verify if your files are still safely stored in the cloud and manually download them back to your local desktop.
When you select 'Free up space', OneDrive removes the local copy to save disk space but retains the file in the cloud. You can easily access and download these files via a web browser.
Go to the official OneDrive website and sign in using your Microsoft account credentials.
Browse your folders to find the specific files or directories that were removed from your local desktop.
Select the files you want to restore, click the 'Download' button in the top menu bar, and choose your local desktop as the save destination.
Restore Files from the OneDrive Recycle Bin
If you cannot find the files in your main OneDrive folders, they might have been accidentally deleted and sent to the cloud recycle bin.
Contact Microsoft Support for Missing Files
If your files are missing from both the cloud storage and the recycle bin, reach out to Microsoft support for advanced recovery assistance.
Manage Your Documents Effectively with WPS Office
While resolving your OneDrive synchronization and file recovery issues, consider switching to WPS Office for a lightweight, reliable, and user-friendly document management experience. It works seamlessly with local files and integrates easily with major cloud services.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and follow the quick installation prompts.
- 2. Connect Cloud Storage: Open WPS Office, go to the cloud settings, and link your preferred cloud drive to access files easily.
- 3. Open Your Files: Drag and drop your recovered Microsoft Office files directly into the WPS workspace to begin editing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Free up space' actually do in OneDrive?
The 'Free up space' feature removes the local, physical copy of a file from your hard drive to save space. A cloud-only version remains safely stored in your online OneDrive account, which can be downloaded again when needed.
How long do deleted files stay in the OneDrive Recycle Bin?
For personal Microsoft accounts, deleted files remain in the OneDrive recycle bin for 30 days. For work or school accounts, they are retained for 93 days unless the administrator has changed the setting or the recycle bin becomes full.
How do I stop OneDrive from automatically removing my local files?
You can right-click any file or folder in your local OneDrive directory and select 'Always keep on this device'. This ensures a local copy is permanently saved and will never be removed by the 'Free up space' feature or Windows Storage Sense.
