Recover an overwritten or deleted file in OneDrive

An overwritten file and a deleted file need different recovery routes. OneDrive version history can restore an older version of an existing file; the web recycle bin can restore a file that was deleted. Act early because retention depends on account type and administrator policy.

Use the right route​

1. Sign in to OneDrive through your usual Microsoft account. Confirm you are in the correct personal or work account and search for the filename first; it may have been moved rather than removed.
2. If the file exists but its contents changed, right-click it in OneDrive and open Version history. Inspect available dates, download a copy if appropriate, then restore the correct version. The restored version becomes current while the prior current version stays in history.
3. If the file is missing, open OneDrive's Recycle bin on the web. Select the file and Restore. Also check the computer's own recycle bin if it was a locally synced file.
4. Open the recovered file and verify the content. Make an independent copy of especially important work; do not rely solely on the same sync service after a deletion or account problem.

Know the retention limit​

Microsoft's version-history guide covers older versions. Its deleted-file guide says personal-account items remain in the recycle bin for up to 30 days, while work or school policies can differ. A file permanently deleted from the bin cannot be restored by this route. If you suspect someone changed files maliciously, secure the account and active sessions as well; restoring the document alone does not remove unwanted access. Our sync-versus-backup note explains the risk.