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Microsoft Teams is one of the most widely used collaboration and communication platforms for businesses and organizations. Whether you are working from home or in an office, the app allows you to chat, create channels, make video calls, share files, and work on projects with your team members in real-time.
However, there may be times when you accidentally delete a crucial file on Microsoft Teams and start to panic. Don’t worry; it’s not the end of the world, as there are several ways to recover deleted files on Microsoft Teams. In this blog post, we will discuss three useful tips to recover a deleted file on Microsoft Teams.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we delve into the tips, you need to have some essential things ready, such as:
– Microsoft Teams app installed on your device
– A Microsoft Teams account with access to the team or channel where the file was shared
– Internet connection to access Microsoft Teams and OneDrive
What Requires Your Focus?
To recover deleted files on Microsoft Teams, you need to focus on the following things:
– The time when the file was deleted
– The channel or team where the file was shared
– The file type and name
– The size of the file
These details will help you locate the file quickly and make the recovery process more comfortable.
Different Methods to Recover a Deleted File on Microsoft Teams
Method 1: Recover from the Bin of the Files Tab
If you’ve accidentally removed a shared file from a channel or a team, you can restore it from the Bin of the Files tab. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open Microsoft Teams and navigate to the team or channel where the file was shared.
2. Click on the Files tab to view all the files shared in the channel.
3. Click on the Bin option located at the top-right corner of the screen.
4. Locate the deleted file that you want to recover and click on it.
5. Click on the Restore button to recover the file. The file will be restored to the same location where it was previously located.
Pros:
– Quick and easy way to recover a deleted file
– The restored file will be in the same format and location as before
Cons:
– Only works if the file was deleted recently
– The Bin option is available only for the Files tab
Method 2: Recover from OneDrive
When you upload a file on Microsoft Teams, it gets stored on the respective team’s OneDrive account. Therefore, if a file is deleted from Microsoft Teams, you can still recover it from OneDrive. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open a web browser and go to OneDrive.com.
2. Log in with the same account that you used to sign in to Microsoft Teams.
3. Navigate to the "Deleted Items" folder.
4. Locate the deleted file that you want to recover and select it.
5. Right-click on the file and select "Restore" from the drop-down menu.
6. The file will be restored to its original location on Microsoft Teams.
Pros:
– Works even if the file was deleted a long time ago
– OneDrive offers more robust search and sorting options
Cons:
– It might take some time to locate the file, depending on the size of your OneDrive account
– The file might not be restored in the same format or location as before
Method 3: Recover Using a Third-party Recovery Tool
If both methods mentioned above fail to recover your deleted file, you can try using a third-party recovery tool. These tools are designed to scan your device’s storage and recover deleted files irrespective of the file type or location. Here’s how to do it:
1. Download and install a reliable third-party recovery tool like Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or Disk Drill.
2. Launch the recovery tool and select the drive or storage device where the file was located.
3. The tool will scan the drive to locate any deleted files and display them in a list.
4. Locate the deleted file that you want to recover and select it.
5. Click on the recover button, and the file will be restored to your device’s storage.
Pros:
– Works for any deleted files, regardless of the location or format
– Recovery tools offer advanced search and filter options
Cons:
– You might have to pay for a licensed version of the tool to recover the file fully
– Recovery tools may not always be successful in recovering deleted files
Why Can’t I Recover My Deleted File on Microsoft Teams?
1. Too much time has passed since you deleted the file.
– Fix: Try using a third-party recovery tool.
2. You are not the owner or administrator of the team/channel where the file was shared.
– Fix: Ask the owner or administrator to recover the file on your behalf.
3. The file was deleted permanently.
– Fix: Unfortunately, if the file was deleted permanently, then it cannot be recovered.
Implications and Recommendations
Recovering a deleted file on Microsoft Teams can sometimes be challenging, depending on the time passed since deletion, the location of the file, and the file’s format. Therefore, it is essential to follow these recommendations:
– Always check the Bin of the Files tab before trying any other methods.
– Ensure that you have the necessary access and permissions to recover the file.
– Regularly back up your files on OneDrive or other cloud storage platforms.
– Do not download a third-party recovery tool from an untrustworthy website.
5 FAQs about Recovering a Deleted File on Microsoft Teams
Q1: How long can I recover a deleted file on Microsoft Teams?
A: You can recover a deleted file from the Bin of the Files tab within 30 days of deletion.
Q2: Can I recover a permanently deleted file on Microsoft Teams?
A: No, you cannot recover a permanently deleted file on Microsoft Teams.
Q3: Can I recover a deleted file on Microsoft Teams without OneDrive?
A: It depends; OneDrive is the default storage platform for Microsoft Teams files. However, if the file was shared via a chat or meeting, you might be able to recover it via the chat or meeting’s history.
Q4: Can I recover a deleted file on Microsoft Teams using my mobile device?
A: Yes, you can recover a deleted file on Microsoft Teams using your mobile device’s Teams app.
Q5: Can I recover a deleted file on Microsoft Teams if I am not a team member?
A: No, only team members or administrators can recover a deleted file on Microsoft Teams.
In Conclusion
Accidentally deleting a file on Microsoft Teams can be a stressful and frustrating experience, but with the help of the tips mentioned in this blog post, you can quickly recover your files. Always remember to back up your files regularly and follow the recommendations mentioned in this post to avoid losing important data.