If you've accidentally deleted a file or folder, don't panic! Most of the time, you can get it back. This guide will walk you through how to recover files depending on where they were stored.

Recovering Files Your Computer (Local Files)

If you deleted a file that was saved directly on your computer (like in your Documents folder or Desktop), check your computer's Recycle Bin first.

1. Look for the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and double-click it
2. Find the file or folder you want to recover
3. Right-click on it and choose Restore
4. The file will go back to where it was before you deleted it

Note: If you don't see the Recycle Bin on your desktop, you can search for "Recycle Bin" in the Start menu.

Recovering Files From OneDrive

OneDrive has its own recycle bin that keeps deleted files for 93 days 

Step 1: Go to the OneDrive website

1. Open your web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, etc.)
2. Go to onedrive.live.com or onedrive.com
3. Sign in with your work email and password

Step 2: Open the Recycle Bin

1. On the left side of the page, look for Recycle bin and click it
2. You'll see a list of all your recently deleted files and folders

Step 3: Restore your files

1. Find the file or folder you want to recover
2. Click the circle next to it to select it (you can select multiple items)
3. At the top of the page, click Restore
4. Your file will go back to its original location in OneDrive

How long do files stay in the OneDrive Recycle Bin?

• Personal OneDrive accounts: Files stay for 30 days
• Work/school accounts (like yours): Files stay for 93 days (about 3 months)

After this time, files are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.

Recovering Files From SharePoint or Microsoft Teams

When you delete files from a SharePoint site or Teams channel, they go into the SharePoint Recycle Bin.

Step 1: Open the SharePoint site

If you're using Teams:

1. Open Microsoft Teams
2. Go to the channel where the file was deleted
3. Click the Shared tab at the top
4. Click the three dots menu, then Open in SharePoint 

If you're using SharePoint directly:

1. Open your web browser
2. Go to the SharePoint site where the file was deleted

Step 2: Find the Recycle Bin

Option A - Quick Launch (easiest):

1. Look on the left side of the page at the bottom
2. Click Recycle bin

Option B - If you don't see it on the left:

1. Click the Settings gear icon (⚙️) at the top right
2. Click Site contents
3. Look for Recycle bin in the top right corner of the page

Step 3: Restore your files

1. Find the file or folder you want to recover
2. Click the box to the left of it to select it (you can select multiple items)
3. Click the Restore button at the top
4. Your file will go back to its original location

What if I don't see my file in the Recycle Bin?

If the file was deleted more than a few days ago, it might be in the second-stage recycle bin. You'll need help from your IT administrator to check there. Submit a help ticket and we'll look for it!

How long do files stay in the SharePoint Recycle Bin?

Files stay in the SharePoint Recycle Bin for 93 days (about 3 months) from when they were first deleted. After that, they're permanently deleted.

Important Things to Know

Files Deleted from Synced Folders

If you have files that sync between your computer and OneDrive or SharePoint:

• Deleting the file in one place will delete it from both places
• Check both the computer's Recycle Bin AND the OneDrive/SharePoint Recycle Bin

If a Folder Was Deleted

When you restore a deleted folder, it brings back the folder and everything inside it. However:

• If you only restore a file that was inside a deleted folder, SharePoint will recreate the folder automatically
• The recreated folder will only have that one file - other files from the original folder won't automatically come back

Shared Folders

Important: If someone else shared a folder with you and they deleted it, you cannot recover it. Only the person who owns the folder can restore it. Ask them to check their Recycle Bin.

Still Can't Find Your File?

If you've checked all the recycle bins and still can't find your file:

1. For work files: Submit a help ticket to IT. Include:
   • The name of the file or folder
   • Where it was stored (OneDrive, SharePoint site name, Teams channel)
   • When you last saw it (approximate date)
2. Make sure you're signed in to the right account - Sometimes people have multiple Microsoft accounts and files might be in a different one