How to Recover Deleted Files

Recovering Deleted Files

Accidentally deleted something important? Here's how to get it back.

Check the Recycle Bin First

Windows Recycle Bin

• Double-click Recycle Bin on your desktop
• Find your file
• Right-click and select Restore
• File returns to its original location

Mac Trash

• Click Trash in the Dock
• Find your file
• Right-click and select Put Back

OneDrive Recycle Bin

If file was in OneDrive:

Online

• Go to onedrive.com
• Click Recycle bin in the left sidebar
• Select your file
• Click Restore

Desktop App

• Right-click OneDrive icon in system tray
• Click View online
• Go to Recycle bin
• Restore your file

Note: OneDrive keeps deleted files for 93 days.

SharePoint Recycle Bin

For team files:

• Go to your SharePoint site
• Click Recycle bin in the left menu
• Select files to restore
• Click Restore

Two-stage recycle bin:

• First stage: 93 days
• Second stage: Admin can recover for additional time

Recover Previous Versions

OneDrive and SharePoint keep file history:

View Version History

• Right-click the file
• Select Version history
• See all saved versions
• Click on a version to preview
• Restore to replace current version

When This Helps

• Someone overwrote your changes
• You want to go back to an earlier version
• File became corrupted

Email Attachments

If file was in an email:

• Search your email for the file name
• Find the email with attachment
• Download the attachment again

Ask IT for Help

If you can't find the file:

• IT may have backups
• Backups can recover files from specific dates
• Contact us with file name and approximate date

Prevention Tips

Save to Cloud

• OneDrive files are backed up
• Version history available
• Recycle bin recovery

Don't Delete Carelessly

• Review before bulk deleting
• Be careful with Shift+Delete (bypasses recycle bin)
• Empty recycle bin only when sure

Regular Backups

IT maintains backups, but:

• Save important work frequently
• Don't wait to save
• Consider the 3-2-1 rule (3 copies, 2 media types, 1 offsite)

Need Help?

For file recovery assistance, contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au or call 1300 521 162.