Critical: OneDrive Automatically Deleting Files in Real-Time Without Any Device Sync

Question

Critical: OneDrive Automatically Deleting Files in Real-Time Without Any Device Sync

Essam Amhimed 20

Hello,

I am experiencing a critical ongoing issue with OneDrive where my files are being automatically deleted in real time without my permission.

This is NOT a normal missing files situation.

Important facts:

My PC is turned OFF and not in use
Phone synchronization is completely disabled
Only ONE Microsoft account is connected
Files are being deleted directly from OneDrive cloud storage
The deleted files appear in the OneDrive Recycle Bin
After restoring my OneDrive to a previous date, the deletions start again automatically
My storage size keeps fluctuating up and down by 30–40 GB repeatedly

This means the deletion is happening server-side or through an internal sync loop, not from any active device.

Additionally, my previous support case ([Moderator note: personal info removed]) was marked as closed multiple times while the issue is still ongoing, and I am only receiving standard template responses instead of a real technical investigation.

I am at risk of continuous permanent data loss (personal photos and videos).

My main questions:

Can OneDrive automatically delete files without device usage?
Could this be a server-side sync loop or account activity issue?
How can I stop ongoing automatic deletions inside OneDrive storage?
Can Microsoft review account deletion logs internally?

I urgently need escalation to a technical specialist because the deletions are still happening even after restore.

Thank you.

[Moderator note: personal info removed]

Vivian-HT 17,905 Reputatiepunten Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-02-28T00:59:20.76+00:00
Disclaimer: Since you are using English, although the site locale is nl‑nl, I will use automatic translation to respond to this question in English.

Dear @Essam Amhimed,

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.

I understand how concerning it is to see files being deleted unexpectedly, especially when no devices are actively connected.

Under normal circumstances, OneDrive does not automatically delete files on its own. When files are removed, it is usually triggered by a connected device, an app or service accessing the account, or an underlying sync or account‑level issue.

Based on what you’ve described, files being deleted directly from OneDrive cloud storage, appearing in the OneDrive Recycle Bin, and the behavior continuing even after restoring OneDrive, this does not appear to be a typical client‑side sync scenario.

Therefore, here are some options I recommend you try again for better troubleshooting the issue:

Option 1: Unlink and Relink OneDrive

For step-by-step, please refer to this Microsoft Official Guide here: Disconnect OneDrive

Option 2: Reset OneDrive

Resetting Microsoft OneDrive can sometimes resolve sync issues and resets all OneDrive settings. OneDrive will perform a full sync after the reset. For step-by-step, please refer to this Microsoft Official Guide here: Reset OneDrive

If you are using Windows, if you haven't tried yet, I recommend you please check if Storage Sense is enabled in your Windows settings. Storage Sense might automatically delete unused files. You can turn it off by Opening "Windows Settings" > Go to "System" > "Storage' > Turn off the "Storage Sense" switch > Restart the computer.

Step 1: Update the OneDrive client

Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, right-click Microsoft OneDrive, and click Uninstall > Click Yes to confirm you want to uninstall OneDrive.

Go to the OneDrive download page and click the Download button. Wait until the process is complete, install it, and sign in with your OneDrive account. Download OneDrive

Step 2: Check for Windows Update

Navigate to Settings, click Update & Security > Windows Update,

Click Check for updates and then install any available updates.

Reboot your computer to confirm the update.

If the issue still persists, the root cause often requires backend investigation, such as reviewing account activity and OneDrive service logs. Unfortunately, as a forum moderator and a community member, I don’t have access to internal account logs or the ability to investigate or stop cloud‑side processes on your behalf.

At this point, you can contact Microsoft Support directly and open a support ticket for OneDrive data loss or unexpected deletions. The support team can review internal account and file‑operation logs and identify the source of the deletions (service, sync process, or other account activity)

To better guide you the best way to contact Microsoft support, could you please confirm these questions below:

Is this a personal OneDrive account (@outlook.com/@hotmail.com), or a work/school (Microsoft 365) account?

Could you please confirm whether you are using Windows or macOS on the device(s)?

Do the deletions affect specific folders, file types, or locations, or does it appear random across the entire OneDrive?

If you are using business account, has your organization recently changed any retention, backup, or compliance policies?

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Answer 1

Essam Amhimed 20

Hello,

Thank you for your reply and the clarification. Here is the requested information:

My account is a personal OneDrive account (hotmail.com)

Devices: Windows 11 PC (currently turned off) and Samsung S22 (Android)

Impact: The deletions happen randomly across the entire OneDrive, mostly affecting photos and videos, but not limited to a single folder or file type

There are no organizational policies or retention rules; this is a personal account only

I understand that as a community moderator, you do not have access to internal logs, but I hope this information can help guide Microsoft Support to escalate my case and investigate the cause of the automatic deletions.

Thank you again for your help.

Kind regards,

Vivian-HT 17,905 Reputatiepunten Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-02-28T02:27:35.78+00:00

Disclaimer: Since you are using English, although the site locale is nl‑nl, I will use automatic translation to respond to this question in English.

Dear @Essam Amhimed,

Thank you for your patience and for the detailed information you’ve provided.

I’ve now transferred your case to the support team specializing in personal OneDrive accounts so they can review it with the appropriate tools and expertise.

They will continue the investigation and reach out to you if any additional information is needed.
Essam Amhimed 20 Reputatiepunten

2026-02-28T14:49:17.7033333+00:00

Dear,

Thank you very much for your help and for transferring my case. I will await the correct support team’s review. I hope they provide accurate guidance this time, as I don’t have much time—my data is only safe for 30 days. I really hope we can resolve this quickly and correctly before that window closes.
Essam Amhimed 20 Reputatiepunten

2026-03-01T12:20:41.32+00:00

@Vivian-HT Hello Vivian,

Thank you so much for escalating this to customer service I really appreciate your effort. However, I must stress once again that this is now extremely urgent. I am at risk of losing my files permanently. As I mentioned, I keep receiving only standard technicians who close the case without real investigation. These files are irreplaceable life memories, and it is unfortunate that Microsoft does not offer the chance for individual customer attention. As a paying customer, I ask once more that this is handled by a real expert so we can avoid permanent data loss before the 30 days expire.

Thank you again for your understanding and for all your help.