How to manage deleted files in recycle bin?
Accidental file deletions are common in collaborative workspaces. Fortunately, accessing the recycle bin simplifies file recovery, eliminating the need for complex data retrieval processes. This prevents permanent data loss caused by human error, ensuring smooth operations and maintaining data integrity. SharePoint's recycle bin offers a straightforward process for recovering deleted files, providing a safety net that supports ongoing productivity and secures essential information.
Understand the Recycle Bin Stages
In Microsoft 365, the recycle bin has two stages for managing deleted files, with a total retention period of 93 days across both stages:
- First-stage recycle bin: When a file is deleted, it goes to the first stage recycle bin (site recycle bin), where it remains for 93 days.
- Second-stage recycle bin: If a file is deleted from the first-stage recycle bin, it moves to the second-stage recycle bin (site collection recycle bin), ensuring that deleted files are retained for a maximum of 93 days, regardless of their location.
Manage Recycle Bins
Effective recycle bin management is essential for maintaining a clutter-free digital environment. This involves key operations such as accessing the recycle bin, restoring files to their original locations, and ensuring the permanent deletion of unnecessary files.
How to Access Files from the Recycle Bin?
- From the desired SharePoint site, navigate to . For OneDrive, you can easily find it from the main menu.
- In either SharePoint Online or OneDrive's recycle bin, locate the link at the bottom.
![recyclebin](../images/how-to-images/sharepoint/find-who-deleted-the-files/recyclebin.png?v=5110_21)
How to Restore Files from the Recycle Bin?
- From the site's recycle bin, select the checkbox next to the files you want to restore.
- Click the button and the file will be restored to its original location in the site.
![restoring-file](../images/how-to-images/sharepoint/find-who-deleted-the-files/restoring-file.png?v=5110_21)
How to Delete Files Permanently from the Recycle Bin?
- If the files remain in the Second-stage recycle bin, select the files you want to permanently delete.
- Click the button to delete the files permanently.
![permanent-deleting](../images/how-to-images/sharepoint/find-who-deleted-the-files/permanent-deleting.png?v=5110_21)
Automate Recycle Bin Management
Automating recycle bin management simplifies digital maintenance by making tasks like purging outdated files effortlessly. This not only saves time but also keeps your digital space organized and optimized for performance.
Retention Policy
Implementing a retention policy is essential for managing the documents lifecycle. It ensures that important files are not accidentally deleted or permanently removed too soon, while also automating the clean-up of outdated files.
- Navigate to the Retention policies section in the Microsoft Purview compliance portal.
- Click , give name, policy type, and location as SharePoint and OneDrive, choose the retention period based on your needs.
- Click button. It’ll take up to one week to apply this policy to the specified locations.
![retention-policy](../images/how-to-images/sharepoint/find-who-deleted-the-files/retention-policy.png?v=5110_21)
Unlock actionable insights for effectively managing file and folder activities across SharePoint and OneDrive with AdminDroid!
- Identify potential risks by tracking the permanent deletion of SharePoint files via scripts, user-initiated deletions of OneDrive files, and deletions of folders across both platforms.
- This section will provide you with reports that track File Deletions, File Restorations, File Version Changes, Folder Deletions, and Folder Restorations.
![ad-folder-deletion](../images/how-to-images/sharepoint/find-who-deleted-the-files/ad-folder-deletion.png?v=5110_21)