How to Recover Files Deleted from OneDrive Recycle Bin?

Where do files go when deleted from OneDrive?

OneDrive, like other file hosting and syncing services, offers cloud storage space for users to save and sync their files on the cloud.

Users can save, share, move, and delete their data as they like. After deletion, if they repent or need the removed files again, they can recover them from the recycle bin, which stores the deleted files for 30 days.

Then accidents come from here. Some users have permanently deleted their files by emptying the bin or removing them again from the bin. And now, they are wondering how to recover files deleted from OneDrive recycle bin.

If you are also facing a OneDrive files missing issue now, you may think of backups. As you know, like other cloud storage devices, OneDrive also provides a backup feature to help users recover their lost files.

But does OneDrive back up the recycle bin?

Does OneDrive backup recycle bin?

Shortly, no. OneDrive offers a folder backup feature. Users can back up Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders from their local hard drives. It does not back up the content in the recycle bin.

And frankly speaking, this feature is more like a data sync function that moves the desktop/documents files from the original location to the corresponding folders under OneDrive.

Thus you can access your desktop/documents/pictures files on multiple devices with the same account.

If you want to recover deleted OneDrive files after permanent deletion, you might need to find other ways. But don’t worry; this article gathers some feasible solutions to help you out.

How to recover files deleted from OneDrive recycle bin?

In this section, you will learn how to recover permanently deleted files from OneDrive in three practical ways. Check out and select one that fits your situation.

Method 1. Restore your OneDrive

Though files deleted from the recycle bin cannot be recovered directly, you could revert OneDrive to its earlier date to undo the deletion. Then, how does OneDrive restore previous version?

OneDrive has an inbuilt feature to rollback OneDrive; in this way, all the changes you made will be canceled. It is similar to performing a system restore to an earlier status.

Notes:✎...

This feature is only available for Microsoft 365 users. 

You can only restore OneDrive to a maximum of 30 days ago.

Step 1. Go and sign in to your Microsoft account on the OneDrive website > Settings > Options > Restore your OneDrive.

Step 2. Choose an earlier date > click Restore.

With the help of this feature, you can rollback OneDrive and undo the permanent deletion. It will also be helpful when you need to recover overwritten files in OneDrive.

Method 2. Restore the previous version of the local OneDrive folder

If you didn’t subscribe to Microsoft 365, the restore feature wouldn’t be available for you. But there is another way.

Windows PC is built with a Previous Versions feature that stores copies of the files and folders. Once your files get deleted, lost, corrupted, damaged, etc., you can restore previous version of the files/folders to get them back.

It is also feasible in the OneDrive local folder.

Notes:✎...

The “Restore previous version” feature requires File History or restore points.

Step 1. Visit the OneDrive Personal folder > target the parent folder that contains the deleted files > right-click on it > click Restore previous versions.

Step 2. Select an earlier version > Restore.

>> Moreover, if the item you removed is a big folder directly under the OneDrive folder, just choose the whole OneDrive drive > Restore previous versions > choose a preferred version > Restore.

Thus, you can recover deleted OneDrive files after permanent deletion.

Method 3. Recover deleted OneDrive files after permanent deletion directly

As has been mentioned, only Microsoft 365 users and those who have activated File History and restore points can restore the OneDrive or its folder.

In addition, reverting OneDrive or a folder to a previous status will inevitably influence other files in the folder and the drive, which may lead to unnecessary damages or troubles.

Then how to recover files deleted from OneDrive recycle bin if there are no previous versions to restore? How to avoid affecting other files but directly recover the permanently removed data?

In this case, an efficient Windows data recovery app will be the correct key to the door. Among numerous tools, MyRecover stands out for its unique features in data recovery.

Using MyRecover, you can directly and selectively recover 200+ types of files, including photos, docs, videos, audio, spreadsheets, etc., from internal/external HDD/SSD/USB/SD card, etc.

Notes:✎...

Remember to save your recovered files in a different place than in the original location. Thus your data won’t be overwritten and corrupted or gone for good.

Step 1. Download and run MyRecover > Hover the mouse over the drive and click Scan to scan.

Step 2. Input filenames or extensions to find out what you need faster if you can still recall. Also, Date modified, Type, Size, Path, etc., help you sort the searched files.

Step 3. Go to Deleted files/Recycle Bin > go to the OneDrive folder > choose the permanently deleted data > click Recover x files.

With the help of this app, it is easy to recover permanently deleted files in Windows 10/8/7 and Windows 11.

FAQ

Users can read this article to learn how to recover files deleted from OneDrive recycle bin. In general, the “Restore your OneDrive” feature and the Previous Versions on the Windows PC can help you get back data by reverting the folder.

If you want to know how to recover permanently deleted files from OneDrive, a data recovery program for Windows will be the best choice.

Now, in case you need further help, some frequently asked questions are ready with answers.