While working, we often mistakenly press the delete option for specific vital files or even transparent junk files; some important files might also get selected for deletion.
In situations like these, we often get panicked and fail to comprehend the right thing to do. However, if the same happens with you in the case of OneDrive files, we would like to give you a gentle pat on the back and tell you that you need not worry about it.
OneDrive has got ways to restore files that might or might not have been accidentally deleted by you from their Cloud Storage, and that’s what we have discussed here.
Read this article to get a better idea of the concept.
Can You Recover Deleted Files From OneDrive?
Yes, you can recover any file you intentionally or mistakenly deleted from your device. Microsoft OneDrive can very well comprehend your situation and ultimately allows you to have a hold over your files, even when you might have deleted them.
If you’re wondering about the methodologies involved in bringing about the process, you’re in the right place. Read along to learn how.
Read How to stop onedrive from popping up
Where Do the Deleted OneDrive Files Go?
Many people believe that once the files are deleted from OneDrive, the specific file or document might have been permanently lost. But it is definitely not true!
OneDrive has two different Recycle Bins that store the deleted files for a specific period. People can quickly retrieve the files they might have accidentally deleted if restored from those specific locations.
You would be even delighted to know that the files in OneDrive are not stored in the cloud only. The data is also stored in your PC’s hard drive folder. This can allow you to restore the files from your PC without having to bother OneDrive at all.
Therefore, next time when you delete a specific file or folder accidentally, be sure to check these two areas thoroughly.
How To Recover Deleted Files From OneDrive Recycle Bin?
OneDrive has never stopped astonishing us with its unique features, and the same goes for recovering deleted files. OneDrive has multiple ways to recover lost files, which can help you get your files back and continue your work.
Like how Windows OS allows you to access its Recycle Bin, so does OneDrive, and you get the chance to recover your deleted files without much hassle. Here’s how it goes.
- Visit: OneDrive official account
- Log in to your registered OneDrive account.
- Choose the Recycle Bin option available in the left pane.
- Tick against the files which you wish to recover.
- Select the Restore button present in the menu bar.
However, remember that the deleted files shall remain in the OneDrive Recycle Bin. After the completion of 30 days, all the items which are present in the recycle bin shall get removed from there.
However, there’s an exception to this period if you are signed in to your OneDrive with a work or school account. In such cases, the items stored in the Recycle Bin are deleted after 93 days.
Read How to Delete OneDrive Files Without Deleting Them From My PC
How to Recover OneDrive Files Which Are Permanently Deleted From Your Computer
Recovering permanently deleted OneDrive files is a standard solution that people look for. We consider the solution necessary, and we’re here to discuss that.
However, to do that, a lot of software is built that can assist you with the process. Once you look up a data recovery software application, you will find several.
All you need to do is select the one you find the most convenient for yourself and hop in with the process immediately.
1. Recovering OneDrive Files From Local Copies
OneDrive helps create a unique folder on your computer named OneDrive itself. This helps in getting the backing up of all the files which are stored inside it in real-time.
You need to know that your files should always be stored in at least two places, i.e., the local folder and the cloud storage.
Let’s check how you could recover files from the local storage facility and finish your work.
- Give right-click on the OneDrive icon, which can be found in the System Tray.
- Click on the Preferences option.
- Navigate to the Account tab.
- Click on the Choose Folders button on the screen.
- Note where the OneDrive folder has been stored in the bottom-left corner.
Now, you can open Finder and look for the OneDrive Folder. If you cannot find the files there, there is a possibility that your file might have been deleted permanently by some chance.
In that case, follow the procedure mentioned above about recovering files that have been permanently deleted.
2. Restoring The Onedrive Files to A Previous Time
For shielding users from ransomware, Microsoft has designed a useful feature for protection. If you wish to use that feature, here’s a short guide you could refer to to get assured clarity on the topic.
- Open: http://onedrive.live.com/
- Log in to your OneDrive account, which has been registered.
- Navigate to ‘Settings’ and click on ‘Options’ if you have a personal Microsoft 365 subscription. Otherwise, select ‘Restore your OneDrive’ after clicking on Settings if you have been signed in with your work or school account.
- Click on the Restore your OneDrive choice present in the list.
- Give a verification for your identity (if and as asked for).
- Choose a date from the drop-down list available.
- Click on ‘Restore.’
Following these guidelines makes your work more accessible, and you can quickly restore all the OneDrive Files to a previous time.
Read How to Create a Shared Folder in OneDrive
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When using a OneDrive business account, the files deleted from the Recycle Bin do not get removed at once.
Instead, they get removed to the Second-stage of the recycle bin. In this place, the files remain stored for another 30 days. During this second round of 30 days, the admin shall be able to restore the files from the concerned Recycle Bin and be able to have their hands on the contents of the files.
However, when even these days pass by, even the owner/admin of the file shall not be able to bring back the files. Hence, be assured before deleting any file from your cloud storage.
Unfortunately, yes. OneDrive has a system to automatically syncs with your PC’s local folder for a linear connection with the cloud space. This would mean that the same shall be deleted from your local file whenever you delete anything online.
However, if your computer is offline, in the sense that the sync is off, the files can remain on the PC even after being deleted from the online version.
OneDrive has a locally owned folder, allowing the storage of the files in an offline mode on your computer. The folder gets named ‘OneDrive’ and can be displayed as a location in File Explorer, like Network or Quick Access.
If you create any folder inside it, that shall also be replicated.
Last Thoughts
OneDrive is an excellent platform for storing files of various types, regardless of whether they are professional or personal. Now that you have learned the methods to restore delete files from OneDrive, the next time when something as such comes up, you know exactly what is to be done.
We hope that you remain cautious with your data and can even facilitate recovery if you delete any of it by mistake.
You may like the following onedrive tutorials:
- How to Stop Sharing Files on OneDrive
- How to Backup OneDrive to an External Drive
- Transfer Everything from Dropbox to OneDrive
- How to Check OneDrive Space
I am Kirithika and a senior technical content writer expertise in using various Microsoft and Google tools like OneDrive, Outlook Online, Word Online, Microsoft Forms, Microsoft teams, Google Drive, etc. I love to share how-to tutorials, tips, and tricks on these tools. From last 5 years, I am trying to serve various clients across the United States of America. Check out more on About me page.