This article describes how to recover files from OneDrive's Primary Recycle Bin and the Secondary (Second-Stage) Recycle Bin.

Recover from the Primary Recycle Bin

1. Sign in to https://onedrive.live.com.
2. Click Recycle bin in the left navigation pane.
3. Locate and select the files or folders you want to restore.
4. Click Restore to return them to their original location.

Retention Period: Understanding Microsoft and Google Data Retention Policies

Recover from the Secondary Recycle Bin

1. Go to the Recycle bin in OneDrive.
2. Scroll to the bottom and click Second-stage recycle bin.
3. Select the files you want to recover.
4. Click Restore.

Retention Period: Files remain here for the remainder of the retention period (up to 93 days total). See Understanding Microsoft and Google Data Retention Policies.

Recover from Local Device Recycle Bin

If files were deleted from a synced folder on your device:

• Windows: Open the Recycle Bin, right-click the file, and choose Restore.
• Mac: Open the Trash, right-click the file, and choose Put Back.

Note: This applies only to files that were synced locally.

Troubleshooting

Can't find the file in either recycle bin?

• Check if the file was permanently deleted by using Understanding Microsoft and Google Data Retention Policies.
• Use file recovery software if the file was stored locally and not synced.

Restore button is grayed out?

• Ensure you have selected at least one item.
• Refresh the page or try a different browser.

Best Practices

• Enable version history to recover previous versions of files. But be aware that this can take up storage Managing File Versions within OneDrive and SharePoint.
• Avoid emptying the recycle bin unless necessary.
• Regularly back up important files to another location.