How to Recover Files Deleted from Desktop via OneDrive

Accidentally deleting important files from your desktop can be a frustrating experience, especially when you realize these were backed up on OneDrive. Fortunately, there are several methods to retrieve these files. Follow these steps to restore deleted files through OneDrive.

Recover Deleted Files from OneDrive

Check the OneDrive Recycle Bin

Go to the OneDrive website: Sign in with your Microsoft account. In the left sidebar, click on Recycle bin. Look for the files you want to recover. Select the files and click on Restore.

Restore Previous Versions (for Windows)

If you have File History enabled, you can restore previous versions of files: Right-click the folder where the file was located, e.g., Desktop. Select Properties. Go to the Previous Versions tab. Choose a version of the folder from before the deletion and click Restore.

Using OneDrive's Version History

Navigate to the OneDrive folder where the file was stored. Right-click on the folder and select Version history. Browse through the versions and restore the desired one.

Important Notes

Time Limit

Files in the OneDrive Recycle Bin are retained for 30 days or longer for OneDrive for Business. Act quickly to recover your files.

Permanent Deletion

Once files are deleted from the Recycle Bin, they may be unrecoverable unless you have backups elsewhere.

Sync Issues

Ensure OneDrive is properly syncing to avoid future loss of files.

Additional Measures for Professional Recovery

Files that have been permanently deleted can be recovered by using professional recovery tools. Some of these tools are:

DataRecovery

If you use a desktop recovery tool like DataRecovery, navigate to the DataRecovery service in your OneDrive account. If the files were deleted from OneDrive, they are gone. However, if they were deleted from your computer first, check the recycle bin. If they are not there, use a deleted file recovery program. PhotoRec, a free and forensic tool, is highly effective as it doesn’t write to the drive during recovery.

OneDrive serves as a storage app that backs up files and keeps them up to date across a range of devices. The importance of this service is evident when files are accidentally deleted. With the steps provided, you can retrieve your important messages and media files.

It is entirely possible to recover files deleted from OneDrive. Once files are deleted from OneDrive, they move to the 'Recycle Bin' from where you can get them back within 30 days of deletion. They can also be retrieved from the local drive’s Recycle Bin or Trash. For a more assured result, use a professional recovery tool to get back any permanently deleted files from OneDrive.

Method 1. Recover from the Recycle Bin

Having established that it is possible to recover permanently deleted files from OneDrive, here are the steps to perform the recovery:

Visit the website of OneDrive and sign in with your MS account. You can also right-click on the OneDrive icon and choose to 'view online.' Scroll the navigation pane to the left and choose the option 'Recycle bin.' Choose the files you need to recover. To do this, go to the box beside the file name and click it. Once you have selected all the files that need recovery, tap the 'Restore' button. You can also click to 'Restore all items' if you wish to recover all the files in the Recycle bin.

Using the OneDrive Second-stage Recycle Bin

Your Windows device has two Recycle Bins. To use the Second-Level Recycle Bin:

If your files remained in the Recycle Bin for 30 days and were then lost when the Bin emptied itself, your files moved to OneDrive’s Second-Stage Recycle Bin. Visit your OneDrive account in your browser and navigate to your OneDrive Recycle Bin. At the bottom of the Recycle Bin, you will see a link labeled 'Second-Stage Recycle Bin.' Inside this Bin, find your files and select them in one go. Right-click your selection and in the Right-Click Context Menu, find the 'Restore' command.

By following these steps and tips, you should be able to recover your deleted files from OneDrive. If you need further assistance, feel free to ask!