How to Restore deleted files or folders from OneDrive online
Restoring deleted files and folders from OneDrive online is possible through its Recycle Bin feature.
OneDrive’s Recycle Bin acts like a temporary holding area for items you’ve removed. Files stay here for 30 days before being permanently deleted.
This means you can recover most accidental deletions within a month.
You can access and restore these files directly from the OneDrive website, even if you’ve emptied your computer’s local Recycle Bin.
Access the OneDrive website, sign in, and navigate to the Recycle bin on the left-hand menu. Select the files or folders you wish to restore and click the “Restore” button at the top of the page.
Why Restore Deleted Files?
Why might you need to restore deleted files? Usually, it’s because you accidentally deleted something important, or perhaps files disappeared due to a computer issue. Fortunately, OneDrive holds onto deleted items for a period, allowing you to retrieve them.
What Happens When You Restore Files?
When you restore a file or folder from OneDrive, it moves from the Recycle Bin back to where it was before you deleted it.
Step 1Go to the OneDrive Website
First, open your web browser. Navigate to the OneDrive website at onedrive.live.com. Sign in using the Microsoft account or work/school account associated with your OneDrive.
Step 2Find the Recycle Bin
After you sign in, look at the left side of the screen. A list of options will appear. Find and click on “Recycle bin.” This is where all the OneDrive items you recently deleted are kept.
Step 3Choose What to Restore
Once you’re in the OneDrive Recycle Bin, you’ll see a list of all the files and folders you’ve deleted.
To select multiple items, click the checkbox next to each one. Need to restore everything? A ‘Select all’ option is usually at the top of the list – use it with caution!
Step 4Start the Restore Process
After picking the files or folders you want back from the Recycle Bin, look for the ‘Restore’ button to start the recovery process.
Good to Know: Restored files will go back to the folder they were in before you deleted them. If that folder no longer exists, OneDrive might recreate it. Alternatively, the file might appear in your main OneDrive folder. Check both places if you don’t see it right away.
Reference:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/onedrive/restore-deleted-files-or-folders-in-onedrive
Summary
Losing files can be stressful, but OneDrive makes it easy to recover them using the Recycle Bin.
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Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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