All of my OneDrive photos and files are deleted.

Jessica Castaneda 0 Reputation points
2026-08-20T06:25:31.7966667+00:00

I went to my OneDrive to look for nostalgic photos and files then boom none of them are there. I was confused maybe this is a glitch but no this is indeed no glitch. I want to know if I can get them back or if I can recover them but I don't know, I even checked my recycle bin but there's nothing.

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For home | Windows
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  1. Thomas4-N 21,315 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-20T14:05:05.4333333+00:00

    Hello Jessica Castaneda,

    I’m sorry your photos and files have disappeared.

    First, sign in to OneDrive.com and confirm you are using the correct Microsoft account. Search for several missing file names and check whether your OneDrive storage usage has changed.

    If many files disappeared recently and you have an eligible Microsoft 365 subscription, open Settings > Options > Restore your OneDrive, then choose a point before the files disappeared.

    Could you confirm:

    • Approximately when were the files last visible?
    • Is this a personal or work/school OneDrive account?
    • Do you have a Microsoft 365 subscription?

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-20T06:25:50.0133333+00:00

    Yes, recovery may still be possible, depending on where the files were deleted from and how long ago it happened.

    1. Check the OneDrive recycle bin on the web:
      • Go to the OneDrive website and sign in with the Microsoft account or work/school account that stored the files.
      • In the left navigation, select Recycle bin.
      • If the files or folders are there, select them and choose Restore.
    2. Check the computer’s Recycle Bin or Trash:
      • If the files were deleted from a synced folder on Windows, open Recycle Bin, select the items, right-click, and choose Restore.
      • On Mac, open Trash, select the items, right-click, and choose Put back.
      • Deleted online-only files do not appear in the computer’s Recycle Bin or Trash.
    3. Make sure the correct account is being used:
      • Missing files may be in a different OneDrive account.
      • If there is both a personal account and a work or school account, check both.
    4. Check Personal Vault:
      • Files stored in Personal Vault do not appear in normal search results.
      • In the recycle bin, select Show Personal Vault items to verify whether the missing files are there.
    5. Search the local device:
      • Use File Explorer, Finder, or the mobile Files app to search for the missing files.
      • Also check whether the files were saved outside OneDrive and never synced.
    6. Restore the entire OneDrive if many files disappeared:
      • If supported on the account, open Settings > Options > Restore your OneDrive on the OneDrive website.
      • This can undo actions from the last 30 days.
      • Warning: files or folders created after the restore point are moved to the OneDrive Recycle Bin.

    Important limits:

    • If a file was permanently deleted from the OneDrive Recycle Bin, it cannot be recovered.
    • If files are not found in search or in the OneDrive Recycle Bin, they usually cannot be retrieved.
    • For work or school accounts, the IT administrator may be able to investigate further if given file names and the approximate last access date and device.

    If this is a personal account and the files are not in the recycle bin, local Recycle Bin/Trash, another account, or Personal Vault, the remaining step is Microsoft technical support through Contact Microsoft Support in the OneDrive support page.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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