How to find my missing photos in one drive?

Pat Fonstad 0 Reputation points
2026-08-26T21:17:49.39+00:00

I have a new computer and when my one drive transferred to the new computer the folders are present but the photos and other data are not there.

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For home | Windows
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  1. John Jefferson Doyon 84,190 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-26T21:55:49.2266667+00:00

    Hi, @Pat Fonstad

    OneDrive does not automatically sync every folder on a computer. It only syncs files that were saved inside the OneDrive folder, or folders such as Desktop, Documents, and Pictures if OneDrive backup was enabled for them.

    To help narrow this down:

    1. When you sign in to OneDrive Web https://onedrive.live.com are the missing photos and files there?
    2. Do you still have access to the old computer, and are the files still available there?
    3. Are you signed in to OneDrive on the new computer with the same Microsoft account you used on the old one?

    In the meantime, please check OneDrive on the web first. If the files are there, this is likely a syncing issue on the new computer rather than the files being lost.

    Also check the OneDrive Recycle Bin on the web in case any files were accidentally deleted.

    Click "Add comment" to let me know what you find.

    Thanks!

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-26T21:18:04.5233333+00:00

    Start with the OneDrive website, because it shows the files stored in OneDrive across devices.

    1. Sign in to the OneDrive website and use Search everything at the top.
      • Search by file name, but also try descriptions, dates, and places such as "April" or "Paris".
      • Files in Personal Vault do not appear in search results.
    2. Check the Recycle bin on the left side of the OneDrive website.
      • If the missing photos are there, select them and choose Restore.
      • If Personal Vault was used, unlock it and select Show Personal Vault items in the recycle bin.
    3. Check whether the files are in Personal Vault.
      • Missing files may be there even if search does not show them.
    4. Make sure the correct Microsoft account is signed in.
      • If multiple Microsoft accounts were used, the files may be in another OneDrive.
      • If the files were saved while another account was signed in, sign out and sign in again with that other account.
    5. Search the new computer locally.
      • In File Explorer, select This PC and search for the missing file names.
      • If needed, search for file types such as *.jpg.
      • Check the computer Recycle Bin too.
    6. If the files were never synced to OneDrive, look in local storage.
      • Use File Explorer to search the computer.
      • On mobile devices, use the Files app.
    7. If using Microsoft 365, restore the entire OneDrive to an earlier point in time.
      • Open the Restore your OneDrive options.
      • This can undo changes from the last 30 days.
      • Caution: files and folders created after the restore point are moved to the OneDrive Recycle Bin.

    If the files still are not found in search, Recycle Bin, Personal Vault, another account, or local storage, they usually cannot be retrieved. For work or school accounts, an IT administrator may be able to investigate further.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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