lost files

Ted Bernert 0 Reputation points
2026-09-14T18:21:10.4966667+00:00

lost files on windows laptop when installing office 365

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | Other | Windows
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  1. John Jefferson Doyon 87,515 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-14T19:10:47.7633333+00:00

    Hi, @Ted Bernert

    Installing Microsoft 365 normally should not delete your existing files. They may have been moved, saved under a different Windows profile, or affected by OneDrive folder backup/sign-in.

    If you haven't tried it yet, first, open File Explorer and check:

    • Documents
    • Desktop
    • OneDrive > Documents
    • OneDrive > Desktop

    Also search File Explorer for the name of one of the missing files.

    To help narrow down the issue:

    1. What type of files are missing, such as Word documents, photos, or everything in a folder?
    2. Were the files originally saved in OneDrive or only on the laptop?
    3. Did you sign in to a different Microsoft account while installing Microsoft 365?

    Click "Add comment" to let me know.

    Thanks!

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