Summary
This article describes how to recover files or folders in OneDrive or on your computer that may have been trashed or deleted. It provides information on following tasks:
How-To
Task: To Restore deleted files or folders from the Recycle Bin.
If files or folders are accidentally deleted in OneDrive, you may be able to recover them from the OneDrive recycle bin.
Instructions
Step 1 - Go to the OneDrive website, and sign in.
Step 2 - In the navigation pane, select Recycle bin.
Step 3 - Select the files or folders to restore by clicking the circle check box that appears, and then click Restore.
Tip: If you're signed into OneDrive on a personal account, you can select Restore all items to restore everything in the recycle bin. This option isn't available for work or school OneDrive. Files deleted from a Personal Vault will only show up in the recycling bin if your Personal Vault is unlocked before checking the recycle bin. You can use the Show Personal Vault items command in the recycle bin to unlock the Personal Vault and see those items.
Note: If you're signed in with a work or school account, items in the recycle bin are automatically deleted after 93 days, unless the administrator has changed the setting.
Outcome
The file or folder is restored to its original folder.
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Task: To restore deleted files or folders from the Recycle Bin in Windows.
If files or folders have been deleted from the OneDrive desktop App, check your Recycle Bin.
Note: Online-only files that have been deleted do not appear in your computer's Recycle Bin or Trash.
Instructions
Step 1 - Open the Recycle Bin.
Step 2 - Select the files or folders to recover.
Step 3 - Right-click the file or folder and select Restore.
Outcome
The file or folder is restored to its original folder.
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Task: To restore deleted files or folders from Trash on a MAC.
If files or folders have been deleted from the OneDrive desktop App, check the Trash.
Note: Online-only files that have been deleted do not appear in your computer's Recycle Bin or Trash.
Instructions
Step 1 - Open the Trash.
Step 2 - Select the files or folders to recover.
Step 3 - Right-click on the file or folder and select Put back.
Outcome
The file or folder is restored to its original folder.
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Task: To restore recent files in M365 Office Online.
If files were moved. copied, or accidentally updated by accident, they can be restored to recent files in M365 Office Online.
Instructions
Step 1 - Go to OneDrive online - https://portal.office.com > choose OneDrive.
Step 2 - Click on Settings - gear icon in the upper right.
Step 3 - Choose Restore your OneDrive.
Step 4 -Under Select a Date choose Custom date and time
Step 5 - Scroll down, there will be a list of all the changed files and folders in reverse chronological date. When you check the mark next to a file, all the files above it will also be selected and all the checked files will be restored. There is no option to select individual files - it is all the files since the oldest selected that will be restored.
Step 6 - After selecting the files to restore, click Restore near the top of the page.
Outcome
An acknowledgement page appears while it restores files.
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Further Readings
Find lost or missing files in OneDrive
View historical versions of Office files
Restore deleted items from the site collection recycle bin
Need additional help?
For assistance concerning site creation, content sharing, file synchronization, or other common SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, or Office app activities, we recommend our Microsoft 365 Learning sites:
Learn more about the great tools our Microsoft 365 Learning sites offer!
Visit the Technology Help Desk Support page to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request. For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.