How Does Google Drive Recover Deleted Shared Files?

What happens if I delete a shared file from Google Drive?

Users create, edit, and share files with their work teams in collaboration. As a well-developed cloud storage and sync service, Google Drive is welcomed and preferred by users worldwide.

One of the most used features is the shared folder. Google Drive allows users to share files and folders with others; the owner can decide whether allow participants to co-edit the files.

Since the files are co-accessed and co-edited by all participants, the shared files are of great importance and will be a pity if lost.

But it seems that the Google Drive file missing issue is not a rare case.

Shared file loss is a disaster for both the participants and the owner. But don’t be frustrated; this article will offer a detailed guide to teach you how to restore shared folder in Google Drive separately.

Participant | How does Google Drive recover deleted shared files?

If you are a participant in the shared folder, please note that you cannot delete files from the owner’s drive.

As you delete the files from the shared folder on your end, you are just removing them from your drive. The files on others’ drives will not be affected.

Now follow the methods to retrieve deleted shared files.

Method 1. Contact the file/folder owner

After accidentally removing the shared files from your end, the first choice is to contact the owner.

>> The file owner can go to Google Drive > locate the shared file/folder > right-click on it > Share > input the participant’s email address > decide the participant to work as a viewer/commenter/editor > Share.

Method 2. Contact the Admin

Another feasible approach is to seek help from the Admin if you use a G Suite account. Admin can help you recover deleted files or folders in 25 days, even after removing them from the trash.

So, it is also a viable method to recover permanently deleted Google Drive files.

The administrator can follow the steps to help the participants perform Google Drive file recovery.

Step 1. Sign in to the Google Admin Console > Users.

Step 2. Target the user > right-click on it > RETORE DATA.

Step 3. Choose the exact date range > RESTORE.

Files will go back to the original file location.

Shared folder owner | How does Google Drive recover deleted shared files?

If you are the owner and have accidentally deleted the shared files, all the participants will lose access. But luckily, several methods can help you perform Google Drive file recovery.

Method 1. Search for the shared files in Google Drive

To be on the safe side, you might search for the files in your drive to rule out the possibility that they were just orphaned but not deleted.

The process is similar to finding all photos on your computer.

Step 1. Go to Google Drive > sign in > input is:unorganized owner:me in the search box.

Step 2. Or you can use the filter to target your files. Click the adjust icon on the right side of the search box > use filters. E.g., Type, Owner, words in the text, Location, etc.

If the shared files were not found, they are likely to have been deleted. Check out the following methods.

Method 2. Recover deleted Google Drive files from the trash bin

Firstly, go and check the Trash. All removed files will be stored there temporarily for 30 days. After 30 days, all the content will be wiped.

It is similar to restoring files from a Windows PC. After permanent deletion or recycle bin emptying, you have to seek other ways to recover items deleted from Recycle Bin.

Step 1. Go to Google Drive > log in to your Google account.

Step 2. Go to Trash > select the deleted shared files > right-click it/them > Restore.

They will be sent back to the original shared folder.

Method 3. Contact Google Drive Help

To a large extent, you may find no deleted shared files/folders in the Trash, just like deleted files and folders are not in the Recycle Bin on your Windows desktop because most users will empty the trash bin to regain more free space.

If so, there is another way worth trying –Google Drive Help. It offers a File Recovery service for users who have problems finding their files.

Now check the steps.

Notes:✎...

This method is only available for file owners.

Step 1. Go to the Google Drive Help site > sign in > fill in the form > Submit.

Step 2. In general, 12-48 hours later, you will receive a reply.

Method 4. Perform Google Drive file recovery effortlessly

If the files get permanently lost from your drive, it will be urgent because the shared files/folders will also be wiped from the participants’ drives, which is the last thing that users want to see.

How does Google Drive recover deleted shared files after permanent deletion? Are there any efficient ways?

Of course. Besides Google Drive Help, you might also seek help from an efficient Windows data recovery app.

Using a professional data rescue tool, you can quickly scan your hard drives and get the permanently deleted files back.

MyRecover is one of the eligible tools that meet your demands.

Now, follow the easy steps to learn how to recover deleted files from Google Drive effortlessly.

Step 1. Install and run the software > Hover the mouse over the drive saved deleted files before, and click Scan.

Step 2. Quick Scan only supports NTFS drives, while Deep Scan works for all file systems. While scanning, you can target the wanted files using the filters.

Step 3. Go to the Deleted files/Recycle Bin > navigate to the file’s original location > select files and click Recover x files.

Also, you can use the powerful tool to recover files deleted from OneDrive recycle bin.

Avoid future data loss risks

How does Google Drive recover deleted shared files has been introduced in this guide with details. No matter you are the owner or not, you can find feasible ways to achieve Google Drive file recovery from this guide.

In addition, to promote your data security level in the future, remember to:

• Back up your vital files regularly using professional data backup software for Windows.
• Do not delete files in a rush.
• Only empty the recycle bin if you are sure the files are useless.
• Upgrade your Google Drive regularly.