What Gets Backed Up Automatically
- OneDrive / SharePoint — all files stored here are automatically backed up by Microsoft and retained for 180 days.
- Email (Exchange Online) — emails are retained for 7 years per compliance policy.
- File servers — daily snapshots retained for 30 days; weekly snapshots retained for 12 months.
What Is NOT Backed Up
Files stored only on your local device (Desktop, Documents, Downloads on your C: drive) are not backed up unless you have enabled OneDrive Desktop Sync. Enable this in OneDrive settings to automatically sync your Desktop and Documents folders.
Recovering a Deleted File
OneDrive / SharePoint
- Go to onedrive.com and sign in.
- Click Recycle Bin in the left sidebar.
- Find the file and click Restore.
- Files in the Recycle Bin are retained for 93 days.
File Server / Older versions
Right-click the folder in Windows Explorer → Restore previous versions. If you need a restore beyond 30 days, submit a ticket to IT.