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Why Is OneDrive Deleting Files Automatically? How to Recover the Lost Data?
Why is OneDrive deleting files automatically? This passage will not only tell you the answer, but also it will guide you to recover the deleted files and stop OneDrive from automatically and randomly deleting files.
By Irene / Updated on September 5, 2024
Why is OneDrive deleting files automatically and randomly?
OneDrive is a widely-used file hosting service that ensures your photos, videos, and files are securely backed up, protected, synced, and easily accessible across all your devices. However, some users have reported receiving information that their files have been deleted by OneDrive without their permission. Why is OneDrive deleting files automatically? There are several factors that can cause the issue to occur.
▷ Insufficient storage space: If your device has insufficient disk space, Windows' Storage Sense feature may automatically delete temporary files, including those in OneDrive. You can resolve this by turning off Storage Sense.
▷Outdated OneDrive client: If you're not using the latest version of OneDrive, program errors could cause files to be automatically deleted. Make sure your OneDrive client is up to date.
▷Corrupted system files: OneDrive relies on system files to function properly. If these files are corrupted, it might lead to files being automatically deleted. Running the System File Checker (sfc /scannow) may help fix the issue. If you encounter SFC scannow not working and popping up various error messages, you can click to get solutions.
▷Bad sectors on the hard drive: Bad sectors on your hard drive could also cause file loss. You can use the chkdsk command to check and remove bad sectors from the hard disk.
▷Others: Files may be deleted due to sync issues or the "Files On-Demand" setting, so try unlinking and relinking OneDrive, and make sure the setting isn't enabled.
Now, you have already know why does OneDrive delete your files, and you can follow the methods in the next section to recover the lost files.
How to recover files that deleted by OneDrive automatically and randomly?
To recover OneDrive automatically delete files, you can run a professional data recovery tool, or you can directly recover deleted files in OneDrive. In this part, we will share the detailed guide for you.
Method 1. Recover lost files with AOMEI FastRecovery
Is it possible to recover files that are automatically and randomly deleted by OneDrive? Yes, it is. All you need is a professional data recovery tool if you don’t have any other backup options besides OneDrive. Among many top data recovery software, AOMEI FastRecovery is the most recommended one for Windows users. It can be fully compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7 & Windows Server. And it supports recovering data from formatted disks, encrypted drives, corrupted drives, and so on.
Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI FastRecovery. Choose the exact partition or disk where your data lost and click Scan.
Step 2. Then, the recovery tool start to scan and search. lt will execute the “Quickly Scan" first for finding your deleted data fast, and then execute the “Deep Scan" for searching other lost data.
Step 3. Once the scan is completed, all deleted files, recycle bins and other missing files will be displayed. Please select the file you would like to recover and then click "Recover".
Step 4. Then, select a folder path to save your recovered files.
Step 5. Wait patiently for this process of recovering ends.
Method 2. Check OneDrive Recycle Bin
When you find the OneDrive automatically delete files, you can go to check the OneDrive Recycle Bin. It's possible that OneDrive has temporarily stored the files there. However, in such cases, it is more likely that the program has encountered errors, leading to the automatic and random deletion of files, or even worse, permanent loss.
Step 1. Right-click the OneDrive icon from the system’s tray, and click More > Settings.
Step 2. Select Account tab, and click Unlink this PC. (Repeat the same process on your other PCs that are linked with the same OneDrive account)
Step 3. Exit the OneDrive application and check your system Recycle bin. If the deleted files appear, right-click it to Restore.
If not, try to restore files from OneDrive Recycle bin.
Step 1. Go to OneDrive website and log in your account.
Step 2. Click Recycle bin from the left panel. Tick the files and click Restore.
Method 3. Restore OneDrive to previous date
You can also go back in time on OneDrive to get back the things you deleted. All deleted files will be undeleted at the same time, so you should make a copy of the files you don't want to lose before you do this.
Step 1. Open your OneDrive account, click Settings > Restore your OneDrive.
Step 2. Choose a date that your files had not been deleted yet, and click Restore.
If both two methods do not work, the following data recovery software is necessary for you.
How to stop OneDrive from automatically deleting files?
If you're using an outdated version, it might not work properly. Updating the OneDrive client should solve this problem. Besides updating the program, you can also check for Windows update, or check whether your hard drive has bad sectors.
Step 1. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, right-click Microsoft OneDrive, and click Uninstall.
Step 2. Click Yes to confirm you want to uninstall OneDrive.
Step 3. Go to the OneDrive download page and click the Download button. Wait until the process is complete, install it, and sign in with your OneDrive account.
Conclusion
What to do if you find OneDrive deleting files automatically and randomly? About this problem, this post gives a clear explanation of how to get back lost files and stop OneDrive from deleting files. If you have damaged files or Windows patches that don't work right, it could lead to bigger problems. In this situation, it is very important to use a professional recovery tool like AOMEI FastRecovery to get the files back quickly. To keep your info safe, you should pick Windows Backup software that you can trust.
