Microsoft changes OneDrive deletion behavior

Microsoft's cloud storage software OneDrive is to behave differently in the future when files are deleted in the cloud. They will then only appear in the web Recycle Bin of OneDrive or SharePoint.

Microsoft announced this in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center (MC1269861, copy at merill.net). Starting in May 2026, Microsoft wants to introduce the behavioral change worldwide and complete the rollout by the end of the month. Files deleted in OneDrive in the cloud will no longer appear in the local Recycle Bin afterwards. They can be restored from the OneDrive or SharePoint web Recycle Bin.

Local deletion processes remain unaffected, Microsoft further explains. Admins don't need to do anything, but the Redmond-based company recommends that they inform users in their organization about the new recovery process.

Better performance and predictability

As the reason for the change, Microsoft states that this will improve the synchronization speed and predictability of OneDrive's behavior. This is a change in how deletions initiated from the cloud are handled locally. When locally available files are deleted in the cloud on a device, they will no longer appear in the local Recycle Bin of macOS or Windows. Recovery is then possible from the web Recycle Bin of OneDrive or SharePoint – for up to 93 days by default.

There are no changes for files that are exclusively in the cloud (Files On-Demand). However, files deleted locally on the device will continue to appear in the local Recycle Bin. Microsoft does not provide any settings or even an opt-out for this change.

Those who want more control over their own cloud storage can look at Nextcloud, for example. The network storage set up with it can also be expanded with various useful apps.

(dmk)