If you’re experiencing problems with OneDrive deleting your files automatically, check out this guide to learn how to stop it, prevent it from happening again, and restore your deleted files easily.
TL;DR?
Not enough time for a full read? Check out these common causes and prevention measures for OneDrive deleting files automatically.
| Causes of file deletion | Prevention measure |
|---|---|
| Storage Sense is enabled on Windows | Disable Storage Sense |
| 'Deleted files are removed everywhere' policy is enabled | Disable 'Deleted files are removed everywhere' |
| 'Always keep on this device' option is disabled | Enable 'Always keep on this device' |
| 'Remove files from this PC when they're deleted from the cloud' option is enabled | Disable 'Remove files from this PC when they're deleted from the cloud' |
| Exceeded storage limit | Remove unnecessary files or upgrade OneDrive plan |
| File corruption, incompatibility or size | Back up files often, use a file checker, keep software updated, avoid files from unknown sources |
| Malware or virus attacks | Use anti-malware software |
How OneDrive Works
OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud storage solution that syncs your files across various devices while keeping them secure on the cloud. It uses a recycle bin feature similar to Windows, temporarily storing deleted files before permanent deletion. Moreover, OneDrive follows a specific File Retention Policy that automatically deletes files from the recycle bin after 30 days.
Common Causes and Solutions to Stop OneDrive Deleting Files Automatically
In this section, we delve into several reasons why OneDrive might be automatically deleting your files and provide ways to prevent it.
1. Storage Sense is enabled on Windows
Storage Sense is a feature in Windows that automatically deletes files you haven’t used in a while. If you have Storage Sense enabled and your OneDrive files are set to be included in the cleanup, then OneDrive files you haven’t used in a while could be deleted automatically.
Here’s how to disable Storage Sense:
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to System > Storage.
- Under Storage Sense, turn off the switch next to Run Storage Sense automatically.
2. The ‘Deleted files are removed everywhere’ policy setting is enabled
IT administrators typically only enable this setting, but if you’re in a corporate environment, you can check to see if it’s active and turn it off if necessary.
Here’s how to disable the ‘Deleted files are removed everywhere’ policy setting:
- Open the Group Policy Editor.
- Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > OneDrive.
- Double-click the Remove personal files from OneDrive when they are deleted from the computer policy and set it to Disabled.
3. The ‘Always keep on this device’ option is disabled
The ‘Always keep on this device’ option in OneDrive allows you to specify that certain files or folders should always be stored on your computer, even if you run out of space. If you disable this option for a folder, any files you add to that location will be deleted when you run out of space on your computer.
OneDrive will only store files on your computer if marked as ‘Always keep on this device.’ If you disable this option, then OneDrive will assume that you don’t need those files on your computer, and it will delete them to free up space.
Here’s how to enable the ‘Always keep on this device’ option:
- Right-click a folder you want to keep.
- Select Always keep on this device.
4. The ‘Remove files from this PC when they’re deleted from the cloud’ option is enabled
When the ‘Remove files from this PC when they’re deleted from the cloud’ option is enabled, any files you delete from OneDrive will also be deleted from your computer. OneDrive is designed to keep your files synced across all of your devices. If you delete a file from OneDrive, you don’t want to have two copies of the file, one in the cloud and one on your computer. However, if you have this option enabled and delete a file from OneDrive that you still need on your computer, you’ll lose that file.
Here’s how to turn off the ‘Remove files from this PC when they’re deleted from the cloud’ setting:
- Open the OneDrive app.
- Go to Settings > Account.
- Under Sync settings, uncheck the box next to Remove files from this PC when they’re deleted from the cloud.
5. Exceeded storage limit
OneDrive can automatically delete files when users exceed storage limits because it is designed to keep your files synced across all your devices. If you have a limited amount of storage space in your OneDrive account and add too many files, OneDrive will start deleting files you haven’t used recently to free up space.
The files that are deleted automatically are typically the ones that you haven’t accessed in a while. This is because OneDrive assumes that you don’t need those files anymore and that you won’t miss them if they’re deleted.
To fix this problem, you can upgrade your OneDrive plan or manage your account to remove old and unnecessary files, especially large ones like photos or videos.
6. File corruption, incompatibility or size
A corrupt, incompatible or too large file triggers OneDrive to delete this item automatically since the cloud service is designed to keep your data safe and working properly. Corrupt means the file is damaged and cannot be opened or used. Incompatible means that the file doesn’t work with your OneDrive version because it’s too old or has an unsupported format. Although seemingly harmless, corrupt or incompatible files can create conflicts with other functional files. Meanwhile, a file that exceeds 250 GB will be automatically deleted by OneDrive because it takes up too much space.
If OneDrive deletes a file due to file corruption, incompatibility or size, you cannot restore it from the OneDrive recycle bin. However, you may be able to restore a corrupt or incompatible file from a backup if you have one.
Here’s how to prevent OneDrive from deleting files due to file corruption or incompatibility:
- Back up your files regularly: If OneDrive deletes a file, you can restore it from your backup.
- Use a file checker: This software program can identify and repair corrupt files. Examples include System File Checker (SFC), Check Disk (Chkdsk) and WinDirStat.
- Keep your software updated: Updates often include fixes for file corruption issues.
Avoid opening files from unknown sources: They can be corrupted or infected with malware. Moreover, some files can be used to track your online activity and spread viruses.
7. Malware or virus attacks
A malware or virus infection can corrupt files, infect them with ransomware or delete them directly. If this happens, OneDrive will automatically delete the infected items to prevent them from spreading and infecting other files.
To fix this problem, use powerful anti-malware software to keep your device in check, protect it from incoming attacks, and remove infections.
Steps to Recover Deleted Files in OneDrive
- Check the OneDrive recycle bin: Files deleted from OneDrive are not immediately deleted. Instead, they are moved to the recycle bin, where they can be restored for 30 days.
- Use the OneDrive restore tool: If you deleted a file more than 30 days ago, you can use this tool to try to scan your computer and attempt to restore them to your OneDrive account.
- Use a third-party data recovery tool: A third-party data recovery tool is specialized in finding and retrieving removed files.
Follow these additional tips for recovering deleted files in OneDrive:
- Be sure to act quickly: The longer you wait, the less likely you will be able to recover your deleted files.
- Do not overwrite any files: If you delete a file and then overwrite it with new data, it will be much more difficult to recover the deleted file.
- Back up files regularly: This will help to protect your files in case they are deleted or corrupted.
Conclusion
Understanding why OneDrive deletes your files and implementing the above prevention measures can keep your data safe. For a comprehensive look at the features and capabilities of this cloud service, check out our detailed OneDrive review.