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OneDrive Deleted Everything and I Can't Find Anything

Nox Hamilton 0 Reputation points
2025-08-29T00:42:13.32+00:00

Okay so! I was going through deleting files to clear up space on the computer, and noticed Microsoft OneDrive was taking up most of it. So I deleted the backed up files that were on there. Little did I suspect that would cost me EVERY FILE I HAD. It took everything. My pictures, powerpoints, music, and every word document I had. Oh, and my important documents like my resumes, and other personal files. I have searched the OneDrive recycle bin as well as the one on my computer and it was like nothing ever existed. Gone. Poof.

So what do I do now? How am I to solve this conundrum? I wasn't even saving my stuff on OneDrive, but on my PC, so how the ever living fuck was it able to delete everything like this? Please help before I throw my computer out the window.

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For home | Windows
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  1. Flora-T 3,045 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-08-29T10:38:49.4666667+00:00

    Dear Nox Hamilton

    Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A Forum and sharing your experience in detail. 

    I completely understand your concern and frustration this situation has caused you when losing important files. 

    Based on your description, it sounds like OneDrive’s “Folder Backup” feature was enabled on your PC. It can be confusing because, instead of simply backing up copies, it actually moves the original folders into your OneDrive directory. This means that deleting files from the OneDrive folder on your PC also deletes them from your local device and the cloud. If you prefer not to use OneDrive’s folder backup feature, you may consider turning it off to return your folders to their original locations on your PC and prevent automatic syncing. 

    • For further information, please refer to this official article: Back up your folders with OneDrive - Microsoft Support 
    • By default, deleted files remain in the OneDrive Recycle Bin for 30 days. If you don’t see your files, scroll to the bottom and look for a link to the Second-stage recycle bin.User's image
    • If your files were deleted, and you're using a Microsoft 365 subscription, you may be able to restore your entire OneDrive to a previous point in time using the Restore your OneDrive feature. You can find detailed steps in this official Microsoft article: Restore your OneDrive 
    • Alternatively, if you're looking to recover specific files or folders, you can check the OneDrive Recycle Bin. Here's guidance on that: Restore deleted files or folders in OneDrive 

    I completely understand how important your files are and truly appreciate efforts you've put in so far. It is hoped that these steps will be of great importance to effectively resolving the issue.

    Please understand that our initial response may not always resolve the issue immediately. However, with your further updates and more detailed information, we can work together to find a resolution. 

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

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