SharePoint: Restore a Deleted File or Folder

Overview

SharePoint includes a Recycle Bin where deleted files and folders may be recovered. If you accidentally delete a document or folder from a SharePoint site, you may be able to restore it without recreating or uploading the content again.

This article explains how to locate the Recycle Bin, restore a deleted item, and troubleshoot situations where the item is not available for recovery.

Key Information

  • Deleted files and folders may be recoverable through the SharePoint Recycle Bin.
  • Restored items are generally returned to their original location.
  • Recovery depends on whether the item is still retained and whether you have the necessary permissions.
  • Items that no longer appear in the Recycle Bin may require assistance from the SharePoint site owner or an administrator.
  • If a file still exists but its contents have changed or been overwritten, use Version History instead of the Recycle Bin.
📝 Note: The Recycle Bin is used to recover deleted files and folders. If the file still exists but you need to recover an earlier version, see Microsoft 365: Restore a Previous Version of a File.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • An active Northwood Technical College account.
  • Access to the SharePoint site where the file or folder was stored.
  • Permission to access the site's Recycle Bin.
  • The name of the deleted file or folder, if known.

Instructions

Restore a Deleted File or Folder

  1. Go to MyCampus.
  2. Search for and click SharePoint.
  3. If prompted, sign in using your Northwood Technical College account.
  4. Open the SharePoint site where the file or folder was stored.
  5. In the left-hand navigation, click Recycle Bin.
    • If Recycle Bin is not visible, check Site contents for the option.
  6. Locate the deleted file or folder.
  7. Select the checkbox next to the item you want to restore.
  8. Click Restore.
  9. Return to the item's original location and verify that it has been restored.
💡 Tip: If you cannot immediately locate the deleted item, check the Recycle Bin carefully before assuming it is permanently deleted. Search by the file or folder name if that option is available.

Troubleshooting

I cannot find the Recycle Bin

Try the following:

  • Verify that you opened the correct SharePoint site.
  • Check the left-hand navigation for Recycle Bin.
  • Open Site contents and look for the Recycle Bin there.
  • Contact the SharePoint site owner if you still cannot locate it.

I cannot find the deleted file or folder

Try the following:

  • Verify that you are checking the SharePoint site where the item was originally stored.
  • Review the items listed in the Recycle Bin.
  • If the item is not listed, contact the SharePoint site owner to ask whether it can be recovered through additional recovery options.

I cannot restore the file or folder

Try the following:

  • Verify that you selected the correct item.
  • Confirm that you have permission to restore deleted content.
  • If the Restore option is unavailable or an error appears, contact the SharePoint site owner.
  • If necessary, submit an IT Service Desk request for additional assistance.

I restored the item but cannot find it

Try the following:

  • Return to the folder or document library where the item was originally stored.
  • Refresh the SharePoint page.
  • Verify that you restored the correct file or folder.
  • Contact the SharePoint site owner if the item still cannot be located.

Need Additional Assistance

If you're unable to restore a deleted file or folder after following the steps and troubleshooting guidance above, submit a Service Desk ticket.

Include the SharePoint site name, the file or folder name, its original location if known, and any error messages or screenshots, if available, so the Service Desk can assist you as quickly as possible.

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