Overview

Cloud services move deleted files to a trash or recycle bin. They're recoverable until the retention period expires or you empty the trash.

Step 1: Recover from Each Provider

Find and restore deleted files.

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Protect important files from being lost.

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Star or favourite important files in cloud storage
Use version history to recover overwritten files
Set up local sync so cloud files have a local copy
Regular backups: Don't rely solely on cloud trash
For business: Enable admin recovery and longer retention
Consider a third-party backup tool for critical cloud data (e.g., Backupify, Spanning)

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Google Workspace Admin: Recover files up to 25 days after a user empties trash
OneDrive for Business: Second-stage recycle bin available for site admins (93 days total)
SharePoint: Site collection recycle bin provides additional recovery window
Contact provider support if the file was deleted beyond the standard retention period
Some providers can recover data from backups even after trash is emptied (paid plans)
Act quickly, the sooner you attempt recovery, the more likely it is to succeed

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Enable file versioning on all cloud storage, recover overwritten files easily
Star or favourite critical files so they stand out and are less likely to be deleted
Use sensitivity labels to protect important documents from accidental deletion
Set up third-party cloud backup for critical data: Backupify, Spanning, CloudAlly
Educate team members on the difference between delete and permanent delete
Create a data recovery procedure document so anyone on the team knows the steps