on my computer all my music files are there but are now empty

JP Truter 0 Reputation points
2026-09-11T15:54:04.2233333+00:00

all my music files are there but are now empty how do I recover

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage
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  1. Levi Cornwell 95 Reputation points
    2026-09-11T16:32:53.7633333+00:00

    First check one of the music files and see if it is actually 0 KB or if it still has its normal file size.

    If these files are in OneDrive, sign in to OneDrive on the web and check the Music folder there. If the files still have their data online, you may be able to download them again or use Version History to restore an earlier version.

    Also check the OneDrive Recycle Bin in case the original files were deleted or replaced. If you have Microsoft 365, Restore your OneDrive can also roll back file changes from the last 30 days.

    I would avoid copying or overwriting the empty files until you confirm whether the original data is still available online.

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  2. DaveM121 929K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-11T16:29:45.1033333+00:00

    1

    Where on your PC do you store your music files, what is the exact folder location?

    2

    Do you use OneDrive or any other cloud service to sync your files online and if you use OneDrive, did you add the music folder to the OneDrive sync list?

    3

    If you do use OneDrive to sync your files, log into OneDrive online (https://onedrive.live.com/) and check if your files are available there, or in the OneDrive online Recycle Bin.

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  3. AI answer

    2026-09-11T15:54:25.76+00:00
    1. First, check whether the files were deleted rather than truly empty:
      • Open Recycle Bin.
      • Select the music files or folders to recover.
      • Right-click and select Restore.
      • This restores them to their original folder.
    2. Search the PC in case the files were moved:
      • Right-click Start > File Explorer.
      • Select This PC.
      • In Search This PC, search by file name.
      • To search by type, use *.mp3 for MP3 files.
      • If a file is found, right-click it and select Open file location.
    3. Make hidden files visible, then search again:
      • Open Settings.
      • Go to System > Advanced.
      • Expand File Explorer.
      • Turn Show hidden and system files to On.
    4. If the music was stored in OneDrive, check recovery there:
      • If files were deleted from the computer and synced with OneDrive, check the OneDrive or SharePoint web recycle bin.
      • If files were deleted locally from a synced OneDrive folder, check the PC Recycle Bin first.
    5. Restore from backup if a backup exists:
      • Connect the external drive with the backup.
      • Open Control Panel.
      • Search for backup.
      • Select Backup and restore (Windows 7).
      • Select Select another backup to restore files from.
      • Follow the wizard.
    6. If the files were deleted and are not in Recycle Bin or backup, try Windows File Recovery.
      • It is a command-line app from the Microsoft Store for recovering deleted files from local storage devices.
      • It does not support cloud storage or network file shares.
      • Important: minimize or avoid using the computer before recovery, because new activity can overwrite deleted file data and reduce recovery chances.

    If the files are present but open as zero-byte or blank files, the supported recovery paths in the available guidance are: search for moved copies, restore from Recycle Bin, restore from backup, check OneDrive recovery, or use Windows File Recovery if they were deleted.

    References:

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

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