SharePoint/Teams: Restoring a Document Library

Summary

This article provides information on how to restore a SharePoint/Microsoft Teams document library that was deleted, overwritten, corrupted, or infected by malware by reversing all actions that occurred on both the files and the folders in the last 30 days.

 

How-To

Task: To restore a SharePoint/Microsoft Teams document library that was deleted, overwritten, corrupted, or infected by malware by reversing all actions that occurred on both the files and the folders in the last 30 days.

 

Limitations

  • Only site owners can start a restore. During the restore, a restore in progress notice displays.
  • Restoring files uses version history and the recycle bin. If version history is turned off, you can’t restore files to a previous version.
  • Deleted files can’t be restored after they’ve been removed from the site collection recycle bin.
  • If you upload a file or folder again after deleting it, the restore operation for that file or folder is skipped.
  • If some files or folders can’t be restored, a log file is generated to capture the errors.
  • Restore this library is only available for the modern experience in SharePoint and can't be used to restore an entire library that's been deleted.

 

Red warning information icon. Note: Removing or renaming your General channel cannot be restored using this procedure or any other procedure. Never remove or rename your General channel.

 

Instructions

Step 1 - In Microsoft Teams, on the Files tab, click … > Open in SharePoint.

Menu expanded and Open in SharePoint selected.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 2 - Click Gear icon to access Setting menu. > Restore this library.

Note: If you don't have permission or you're looking at a classic library, the Restore this library option does not display.

 

Step 3 - Select a date from the drop-down list. 

Select a date menu expanded.

Note: If you select Custom date and time, select the earliest activity that you want to undo. When you select an activity, all other activities that occurred after that are selected automatically.

 

Step 4 - Review the recent activities to undo in the activity chart and activity feed. When an activity is selected, all other activities that occurred after that are selected automatically.

  • The daily activity chart shows the volume of file activities in each day for the last 30 days. It gives you an overview of what has happened to your library over time and can help you identify any unusual activities, such as when your files were infected by malware.
  • The activity feed shows individual file and folder operations in reverse chronological order. You can scroll down to see previous days or move the slider below the daily activity chart to quickly move to a specific day.

 

Step 5 - Click Restore.

Restore form displaying activity chart and activity feed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outcome

The library is restored to the state it was in before the first activity you selected. If you change your mind about the restore you just did, you can select Restore this library to undo the restore by selecting the restore action you just did.

 

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.  

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