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Quick Answer

If the file was on your computer, open the Recycle Bin on your desktop. If it was in OneDrive or SharePoint, open it in your web browser and click Recycle bin on the left-hand navigation menu.

How to Recover Deleted Files ​

Applies to: Windows 11, OneDrive, SharePoint, Microsoft 365
Article Type: How-To
Last Updated: 2026-05-18

Summary ​

This article guides you through the process of recovering files that have been accidentally deleted from your local computer, OneDrive, or a SharePoint site. By checking the various Recycle Bins available to you, you can often restore your files without needing IT intervention.

Prerequisites ​

  • Access to the device or Microsoft 365 account where the file was originally stored.
  • Files must have been deleted within the retention window (typically 30 days for Windows, 93 days for OneDrive/SharePoint).

Instructions ​

1. Recover Files from the Windows Recycle Bin ​

If you deleted a file from your local hard drive (e.g., your Desktop, Documents, or Downloads folder), it goes to the Windows Recycle Bin.

  1. Open the Recycle Bin
    • Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your Desktop.
  2. Locate the File
    • Scroll through the list or use the search bar in the top right corner to find your deleted file.
    • You can sort by the Date Deleted column to find recent items quickly.
  3. Restore the File
    • Right-click the file you want to recover.
    • Select Restore. The file will disappear from the Recycle Bin and return to the exact folder it was deleted from.

2. Recover Files from OneDrive ​

If you deleted a file that was synced to your company OneDrive, use the OneDrive web portal to recover it.

  1. Open OneDrive on the Web
    • Go to office.com and sign in with your company credentials.
    • Click the App launcher (waffle icon) in the top left corner and select OneDrive.
  2. Navigate to the Recycle Bin
    • In the left-hand menu, click on Recycle bin.
  3. Restore the File
    • Select the circle checkmark next to the file(s) you want to recover.
    • Click the Restore button at the top of the page. The files will be restored to their original location in your OneDrive.

3. Recover Files from SharePoint ​

If you deleted a file from a shared Team channel or a SharePoint site, it goes to that specific site's Recycle Bin.

  1. Open the SharePoint Site
    • Navigate to the SharePoint site where the file was stored (often accessible via the Files tab in a Teams channel by clicking Open in SharePoint).
  2. Navigate to the Recycle Bin
    • In the site's left-hand navigation menu, click on Recycle bin. (If you don't see it, click the Settings gear icon > Site contents > Recycle bin).
  3. Restore the File
    • Select the file(s) and click Restore at the top of the page.

Troubleshooting ​

DANGER

Do not use Shift + Delete when deleting files in Windows. This bypasses the Recycle Bin and permanently deletes the file immediately, making it much harder or impossible to recover.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
File is missing from OneDrive Recycle BinThe 93-day retention period has passed, or it was deleted from the binContact the IT Helpdesk immediately. An administrator may be able to recover it from the Second-Stage Recycle Bin within a limited additional window.
File is missing from Windows Recycle BinThe bin was emptied, or the file was permanently deletedCheck if you have file history or backups enabled. See How to Back Up Files and Folders on Windows.