how can i restore my files that are deleted?

Derick ruge 0 Reputation points
2026-09-24T18:12:26.9733333+00:00

I accidentaly delete my documents how can i restore them and also when i check in recycle bin they are not found also

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Recovery and backup
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  1. John Jefferson Doyon 88,900 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-24T18:49:59.6466667+00:00

    Hi, @Derick ruge

    If the files are not in the Recycle Bin, first check whether they were backed up to OneDrive at https://onedrive.live.com and check the OneDrive "Recycle bin."

    To help narrow this down:

    1. When were the files deleted?
    2. How were they deleted? For example, did you delete them normally, use Shift + Delete, reset Windows, or did they disappear after an update?
    3. Were the files stored in Documents, Desktop, another drive, or OneDrive?

    For now, avoid saving or downloading new files to the same drive, since deleted data may be overwritten.

    Click "Add comment" to let me know.

    Thanks!

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-24T18:12:44.9+00:00

    If the files were deleted from a local Windows folder, first open Recycle Bin, find the files or folders, right-click them, and select Restore. They return to their original folder.

    Since they are not in Recycle Bin, the next step depends on where the files were stored:

    1. If the files were in OneDrive
      • Go to OneDrive on the web and sign in.
      • Select Recycle bin in the left pane.
      • If the files are there, select them and choose Restore.
    2. If the files were in OneDrive Personal Vault
      • In the OneDrive recycle bin, select Show Personal Vault items.
      • If the missing files appear, restore them.
    3. Check whether the files were saved under another Microsoft account
      • If multiple Microsoft accounts are used, sign out and sign in with the other account.
      • Missing files may be in a different OneDrive.
    4. If using Microsoft 365 and the files were changed or removed recently in OneDrive
      • The Restore your OneDrive feature can undo changes to files and folders from the last 30 days.
      • Important: files permanently deleted from the OneDrive Recycle Bin cannot be recovered.
    5. Retention limits to know
      • OneDrive personal accounts: deleted files can be restored within 30 days.
      • OneDrive work or school accounts: deleted files can usually be restored within 93 days, unless the administrator changed the retention setting.

    If the files were deleted from Windows and are not in Recycle Bin, the provided information does not include a native Windows recovery method beyond Recycle Bin. If the files were stored in OneDrive, use the OneDrive recovery steps above.

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

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