screenshots missing

Question

Screenshots not in screenshot folder or cannot be found in OneDrive.

Answer 1

If it goes to OneDrive, take a screenshot and find out where it's downloaded to. After the screen darkens and the shot is taken, click on the white OneDrive cloud icon on the taskbar. Go to the top file, and it will say "Downloaded to...." Click on the link to go there.

Answer 2

Hi, @Richard

Could you please check these:

1. How are you taking the screenshots, Windows + PrtScn, Windows + Shift + S, or the Snipping Tool?
2. If you take a new screenshot now, does it save anywhere?
3. In File Explorer, what do you see under Pictures > Screenshots? Also check OneDrive > Pictures > Screenshots.

Windows + PrtScn normally saves screenshots under Pictures > Screenshots. Snipping Tool can also automatically save captures to its Screenshots folder, depending on its settings.

This will help determine whether the older screenshots are missing or whether the save location itself has changed.

Click "Add comment" to let me know.

Thanks!

Answer 3

Try these checks in order:

1. Search on the OneDrive website.
   • Sign in to OneDrive on the web.
   • Use Search everything at the top.
   • Search by more than filename if needed, such as dates, descriptions, or places.
2. Check the Recycle bin in OneDrive.
   • In the left pane, select Recycle bin.
   • If the screenshots are there, select them and choose Restore.
   • If screenshots were stored in Personal Vault, unlock it first or use Show Personal Vault items in the recycle bin.
3. Check whether the files were saved to another account.
   • If both personal and work/school OneDrive accounts exist, the screenshots may be in the other account.
   • Sign out and sign back in with the other Microsoft account if needed.
4. Search the local device.
   • Use File Explorer to search the PC for the files.
   • Also check the PC Recycle Bin.
5. If using the OneDrive mobile app and files are not appearing:
   • Open OneDrive.
   • Go to Profile > Settings > Account > Reset.
6. If the issue is specifically about automatic screenshot backup to OneDrive:
   • The Save screenshots to OneDrive setting is no longer available.
   • To have screenshots backed up, the Pictures folder must be included in OneDrive folder backup.
7. If using a personal Microsoft 365 subscription and files were changed or removed recently:
   • OneDrive can be restored to a previous point in time from the last 30 days.
   • Caution: files or folders created after the restore point are moved to the OneDrive Recycle Bin.
8. If using a work or school account and the files still cannot be found:
   • An IT administrator may be able to investigate further.
   • They will need the file or folder names, approximate last access time, and the device used.

If OneDrive shows upload errors for screenshots or image files:

• OneDrive can't find this file means the file may have been moved, renamed, or deleted before upload.
• OneDrive can't upload this file to this location can happen when the full file path is too long and must be fewer than 442 characters.

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• Save screenshots to OneDrive automatically
• Find lost or missing files in OneDrive
• Troubleshoot OneDrive mobile app problems
• Protect your OneDrive files in Personal Vault