Missing OneDrive files may be a sync issue, accidental deletion or a sign that a Microsoft account has been compromised.
Prepared and reviewed by IT Life-Raft
UK-based IT support and cyber recovery guidance. Last reviewed September 2026.
Before restoring, check whether the Microsoft account is still secure. Restoring files while an attacker still has access can repeat the damage.
If you've been hacked, start with our step-by-step recovery checklist. It explains what to secure first, how to protect your email and accounts, what evidence to keep, and what to do next.
Recovery checklistIf this is happening, preserve evidence and move carefully before deleting messages, wiping devices or changing settings from a suspect device.
If this is happening, preserve evidence and move carefully before deleting messages, wiping devices or changing settings from a suspect device.
If this is happening, preserve evidence and move carefully before deleting messages, wiping devices or changing settings from a suspect device.
If this is happening, preserve evidence and move carefully before deleting messages, wiping devices or changing settings from a suspect device.
Keep the order simple: contain the issue, recover control, then strengthen the account or device so the attacker cannot return.
Record what you changed and keep screenshots or reference numbers where possible.
Record what you changed and keep screenshots or reference numbers where possible.
Record what you changed and keep screenshots or reference numbers where possible.
Record what you changed and keep screenshots or reference numbers where possible.
Record what you changed and keep screenshots or reference numbers where possible.
For Microsoft 365, check audit logs, retention, SharePoint/OneDrive sharing policies and whether sensitive customer or staff files were accessed.
If money, customer data, Microsoft 365, business email or a website is involved, get advice before wiping evidence or assuming the issue is closed.
These links help confirm the official recovery route. Use them alongside the checklist, especially when account recovery, fraud reporting or business data may be involved.
Often yes, depending on retention, recycle bin state and version history.
Yes, especially if files are renamed, encrypted or changed across multiple folders.
If active compromise is suspected, pause syncing and secure the account before restoring.
Tell us what happened, what is affected and whether money, customer data or business systems may be at risk.