Microsoft OneDrive is one of the most widely used cloud storage service providers. A Microsoft account offers up to 5 GB of free OneDrive space. However, you can get additional space by upgrading to a paid subscription plan or purchasing Microsoft Office 365 plans that offer OneDrive space.
What happens when you delete a file or folder from OneDrive?
We all make mistakes. Making mistakes is an inevitable part of life. Sometimes, we accidentally delete files that are important to us.
When you try to delete a file or folder from your OneDrive account, OneDrive prompts a confirmation dialog. However, at times, we click the Yes button and delete the file.
Once a file or folder is deleted from your OneDrive account, it will be moved to the OneDrive Recycle Bin so that users can restore it if required.
All deleted files will be available in the OneDrive Recycle Bin for up to 30 or 93 days, depending on the type of account you are using to sign in to OneDrive. After 30 or 93 days, files will be permanently deleted from the OneDrive Recycle Bin and cannot be restored.
Can I restore files deleted from OneDrive?
Yes, you may be able to delete files and folders deleted from your OneDrive account. Remember that OneDrive does not keep deleted files and folders for a long time.
Can I restore files deleted from OneDrive after 30 days?
The answer is yes and no. Yes, because you will be able to restore OneDrive files for up to 93 days if using a work or school account. As per this page of OneDrive support, work, and school account users will be able to restore deleted OneDrive even after 30 days up to 93 days unless the admin has changed the default settings.
However, you cannot restore a file or folder deleted from OneDrive after 30 days if you use a Microsoft account to sign in to OneDrive. While using a Microsoft account, your files and folders will be kept in the OneDrive Recycle Bin for 30 days before they are automatically deleted. A majority of OneDrive users use a Microsoft account. So, these users will not be able to recover deleted files after the initial 30 days.
That said, if you deleted a OneDrive file or folder available on your Windows 10/11 PC, you might be able to restore it from the Windows 10/11 Recycle Bin. Here is why. When you delete a file available on your Windows 10/11 PC’s OneDrive folder, in addition to OneDrive’s Recycle Bin, it will also be moved to the Windows 10/11 Recycle Bin. Here is how to restore:
Step 1: Open the Windows Recycle Bin by clicking the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop.
Step 2: Use the Recycle Bin search to find the file you are looking for. Right-click on the file and then click the Restore option to restore it back to the original location.
How to restore OneDrive files from OneDrive Recycle Bin?
Step 1: Visit the OneDrive page in a web browser and sign in to your account.
Step 2: Click the Recycle Bin link on the left pane.
Step 3: Right-click on the file or folder you would like to restore and then click the Restore option.
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