Forum Discussion
Lost all Onedrive files
If you read the original post, it says the files in website have disappeared as well and nowhere to be found. Tell me how doing anything on laptop or any other local devices help with this? The issue is on the web server of Microsoft and not on any of our local devices.
If the files are missing from OneDrive Web, then the issue is likely on Microsoft's servers rather than a local device. However, checking other devices or sync settings can still be useful to rule out possible causes.
Here’s what to do when files are missing from OneDrive Web itself:
Immediate Steps to Try
1. Check OneDrive's "Recycle Bin" and "Second-Stage Recycle Bin"
- On OneDrive Web, go to the Recycle Bin (left sidebar).
- If nothing is there, scroll down and look for a "Second-stage recycle bin" link (this is where files go before permanent deletion).
2. Try "Restore your OneDrive" (Only for Microsoft 365 Subscribers)
- Go to OneDrive Web > Settings (top-right corner) > Restore your OneDrive
- If your files were deleted or corrupted within the last 30 days, this feature allows you to roll back to an earlier version.
3. Check for Account Issues
- Ensure you’re logged into the correct Microsoft account (especially since you have multiple).
- If your subscription or storage limit expired, Microsoft may have deleted files.
4. Search for Your Files
- Use the search bar in OneDrive Web—sometimes files get moved unexpectedly.
- Check the Shared and Recent tabs to see if anything still exists.
If Nothing Works
5. Contact Microsoft Support ASAP
- Go to: Microsoft OneDrive Support
- Microsoft keeps deleted data for a limited time even if it’s not in the Recycle Bin, so the sooner you contact them, the better your chances of recovery.
Possible Causes for Data Loss
- Account Syncing Issues → If your work laptop was linked to the wrong OneDrive, IT might have accidentally affected your personal data.
- Storage Policy Changes → If you exceeded your storage limit, Microsoft may have deleted files.
- Rare Microsoft Server Errors → Microsoft has had cases where files disappeared due to sync glitches.
Since the issue is on OneDrive Web, the best course of action is to contact Microsoft Support immediately—they may still be able to recover your files, I am only a forum user like you.