How to Recover Documents in SharePoint

Introduction 

Welcome to another insightful Microsoft 365 Insights video! In this video, we delve into the essential topic of recovering documents in SharePoint. Whether you've accidentally deleted a file or need to restore a previous version, this guide will walk you through the steps to efficiently recover your documents using SharePoint's powerful features.

Recovering Deleted Documents

The first part of our video focuses on recovering deleted documents. It's important to note that some document recovery processes are not available directly through Microsoft Teams. Instead, you need to access these documents via SharePoint on a browser. To do this, navigate to the document library in Teams, click on the three dots, and select "Open in SharePoint." This action will take you directly to the corresponding library in SharePoint, making it easy to find and recover your documents.

Once in SharePoint, you can access the recycle bin, which stores deleted items for 30 days. Simply select the document you wish to restore and click "Restore." The document will return to its original location, preserving your folder structure and saving you the hassle of re-filing. 

Extended Recovery Period for Admins 

If you are a site admin or team owner, you have an extended recovery period of up to 90 days. After the initial 30 days, deleted documents move to the second stage recycle bin, where they remain for an additional 60 days. To access this, click on the link to the second stage recycle bin and follow the same restoration process. This extended period provides ample time to recover important documents, even if they were deleted a while ago. 

Restoring Documents Using Version History

In addition to recovering deleted documents, SharePoint also allows you to restore previous versions of a document. This feature is particularly useful if a document has been modified and you need to revert to an earlier version. To access version history, right-click on the document in SharePoint and select "Version History." This will display all iterations of the document, allowing you to review and restore any previous version. This feature ensures that you can confidently share documents and collaborate with colleagues, knowing that you can always revert to an earlier version if needed.

Conclusion 

Recovering documents in SharePoint is a straightforward process that enhances your ability to manage and safeguard your files. Whether you're restoring deleted documents or reverting to previous versions, SharePoint's robust recovery features provide peace of mind and ensure that your important documents are always within reach. For more detailed guidance on using Office applications and version history, be sure to check out our other videos. Thank you for watching!