Lost My photos when deleting them from the Galery but I thougt they were only being deleted from the PC not the actual Cloud.

Adrian R O 0 Reputation points
2026-09-16T22:12:08.7966667+00:00

This is very confusing and I have noticed I am not the only ine with that problem. Please help!

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For home | Windows
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-16T22:12:22.6066667+00:00

    If the photos were in a synced OneDrive location, deleting them from the PC or Gallery also deletes them from OneDrive and other synced devices. Deleted files normally go to the OneDrive Recycle bin, where they can be restored.

    For Samsung Gallery specifically, this is a bi-directional sync. If files are deleted in Samsung Gallery or in the OneDrive app, the deletion is reflected in the other app too. Those deleted files are moved to the Recycle Bin and removed from synced devices.

    Try this recovery path:

    1. Check the OneDrive Recycle bin and restore the missing photos.
    2. Also check the PC Recycle Bin.
    3. If the photos are not found, search OneDrive on the web using Search everything and try different filename spellings, descriptions, dates, or places.
    4. Search the local device as well using File Explorer, Finder, or the mobile Files app in case the files were saved outside OneDrive or had not synced yet.

    Important behavior to know:

    • OneDrive camera backup is backup only, not two-way sync. If photos were uploaded through normal OneDrive camera backup, deleting them from the device does not delete the copies in OneDrive.
    • Samsung Gallery sync is different: deletes and changes sync both ways.
    • If items were deleted from OneDrive, they can generally be restored from the Recycle Bin. For Microsoft accounts, items in the recycle bin are automatically deleted 30 days after they are put there.

    If the files are not in search or the OneDrive Recycle bin, they usually cannot be retrieved. For personal accounts, technical support can be contacted through Contact Microsoft Support, and on mobile by opening the OneDrive app and gently shaking the device.

    References:

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

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  2. Xavier-D 13,490 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-17T04:30:55.6033333+00:00

    Hello Adrian R O

    I am sorry to hear that your photos were deleted.

    In addition to the recovery options already provided, there are a few other points worth checking.

    If many photos were deleted at the same time and you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription, try Restore your OneDrive. On the OneDrive website, open Settings > Options > Restore your OneDrive, then select a point before the deletion occurred. Please note that this will also roll back other OneDrive file activity that occurred after the selected point.

    If you use Personal Vault, unlock it before checking the OneDrive Recycle Bin, as deleted Personal Vault items may not appear while the vault is locked. Also verify that you are signed in to the same Microsoft account that was connected to Samsung Gallery.

    To help prevent this issue in the future, consider using OneDrive Camera Backup mentioned by AI above, instead of Samsung Gallery sync. Camera Backup uploads copies of your photos to OneDrive without synchronizing deletions in both directions.

    Microsoft has also announced that direct Samsung Gallery synchronization with OneDrive will end on September 30, 2026, so existing users should transition to Camera Backup.

    You can read more about this info here: Changes to Samsung Gallery sync and OneDrive

    I hope one of these additional options helps recover your photos.

    Please feel free to reply to this post and let me know whether Restore your OneDrive is available for your account or if you need further assistance. I'll be happy to help.

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    1 person found this answer helpful.

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