Deleted a folder you still needed, or hit by ransomware that encrypted all your files? In OneDrive for work or school you can bring deleted files back for up to 93 days, and even restore your entire OneDrive to an earlier point in time. This article shows how it works on the web, on your computer and on your phone, and what an admin can still do when it seems too late.
How does deleting work in OneDrive?
A file you delete isn't gone right away. It goes to the recycle bin first. Empty that, and it moves to the second-stage recycle bin. Together they keep items for up to 93 days after the original deletion. After that the file is permanently gone, unless your organization uses a retention policy or backup.
Step 1: the recycle bin
- Go to onedrive.com (or open OneDrive from the Microsoft 365 app launcher).
- Select Recycle bin on the left. In a narrow window it can be hidden behind the menu.
- Select the files or folders and choose Restore.
They return to their original location, with their version history. Looking for a file in a long list? Sort by the Date deleted or Original location column.
Deleted in File Explorer or Finder?
If you delete a synced file on your computer, it also disappears online and lands in the OneDrive recycle bin on the web. If the file was stored locally, you'll often find it in the Windows Recycle Bin or your Mac's Trash as well. So check both places. When you delete many files at once, the OneDrive app usually shows a warning that lets you restore them right away.
Step 2: the second-stage recycle bin
Not there? Scroll to the bottom of the recycle bin and select Second-stage recycle bin. Items removed from the first recycle bin land there. Select them and choose Restore. They go straight back to their original folder.
Restore your entire OneDrive
Many files deleted, overwritten or encrypted at once, for example by ransomware or a sync error?
- In OneDrive, select the gear > Settings > Restore your OneDrive.
- Choose a date, such as Yesterday or Custom date and time (up to 30 days back).
- Use the chart and activity list to pick the right moment. A spike in the chart often marks when things went wrong.
- Select Restore.
All changes after that moment are undone, good ones included. So copy recent files you want to keep somewhere else first. You can undo the restore itself too. With ransomware: clean your computer and change your password first, or the files get encrypted again.
On your phone
In the OneDrive app for iPhone or Android, you'll find the recycle bin via your profile icon or the Me tab. Select an item there and choose Restore. The exact location can differ between app versions. Restoring your whole OneDrive only works on the web.
What can an admin do?
- Departed colleague: when a user is deleted, their OneDrive is kept for a while. You set that period in the SharePoint admin center > Settings > Retention, between 30 and 3650 days. When deleting the user, you can give a manager access.
- User deleted by mistake: restore them within 30 days via Users > Deleted users in the Microsoft 365 admin center. Their OneDrive comes back with them.
- Retention policy: with a retention policy in Microsoft Purview, deleted files are kept longer, even beyond the 93 days.
And in Teams or SharePoint?
Team files live in SharePoint, where it works the same way. Read restore deleted files in Teams or SharePoint. Deleted a whole team? See restore a deleted team.
FAQ
I only want an older version of one file back.
Use version history. It's faster and doesn't touch the rest of your OneDrive.
Is 93 days enough as a backup?
For mistakes usually yes, but it isn't a real backup. For longer protection you need a retention policy or a backup tool. Read backup and restore in Microsoft 365.
Are my desktop and documents in OneDrive too?
Only if you turned on backup of your desktop and documents. Otherwise they're only on your computer.
Nederlandstalige versie: Verwijderde OneDrive-bestanden herstellen tot 93 dagen na verwijdering