How to recover permanently deleted files from OneDrive after the Recycle Bin is emptied

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to recover permanently deleted files from OneDrive after the Recycle Bin is emptied. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

If you have emptied your OneDrive Recycle Bin, your files may still be recoverable from the second-stage Recycle Bin for a limited time. This guide explains how to recover permanently deleted files from OneDrive. If you need assistance at any stage, you can Open a Ticket with 220 Internet Services.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Ask the affected user to sign in to OneDrive at onedrive.live.com.
2. In the left navigation pane, select Recycle bin.
3. At the top of the Recycle Bin page, select Second-stage recycle bin.
4. Locate the files or folders you wish to recover, select them, and click Restore.
5. The items will be returned to their original OneDrive location.

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Access the second-stage Recycle Bin

The user whose files were deleted must sign in to their own OneDrive account. Admin access tools do not provide access to another user's second-stage Recycle Bin.

Step 2: Navigate to the Recycle bin

In the left navigation pane of OneDrive, select Recycle bin.

Step 3: Open the second-stage Recycle Bin

At the top of the Recycle Bin page, select Second-stage recycle bin. This view shows items that have been deleted from the first-stage Recycle Bin.

Step 4: Restore the files

Locate the files or folders you wish to recover, select them, and click Restore. The items will be returned to their original OneDrive location.

Items in the second-stage Recycle Bin are kept for up to 30 days after they are emptied from the first-stage Recycle Bin. After this period, items are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered through standard tools.

Troubleshooting

Files are not appearing in the second-stage Recycle Bin

If the files do not appear, they may have exceeded the 30-day retention period or been deleted by a retention policy. In these cases, recovery may not be possible through standard tools. For further assistance, Open a Ticket.

You do not see the second-stage Recycle Bin option

Ensure you are signed in as the owner of the OneDrive account. The second-stage Recycle Bin is not visible to administrators accessing another user's OneDrive via admin tools.

Act quickly. Once items pass the second-stage Recycle Bin retention window, they are permanently removed from Microsoft 365 and cannot be restored by 220 Internet Services or Microsoft support.

To help prevent future data loss, consider setting up regular backups. You can read our guide on How to backup photos to external drive for additional strategies to protect your business files.

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