Find lost pictures in Onedrive

Question

Kerry Comeaux 0

All of my folders are still there, but it says there are no files in the folder.

0 comments

2 answers

Answer 1

John Jefferson Doyon 65,405 Independent Advisor

Thank you for letting me know.

I understand. This looks like a sync issue now, especially with the red X.

Let’s fix the sync directly:

This will resync everything from online to your PC.

The red X on Desktop usually means something is stuck syncing, so resetting helps clear it.

After signing back in, check if the renamed folder shows on your PC.

Let me know if it appears after the resync.

Kerry Comeaux 0 Reputation points

2026-03-20T16:50:15.8833333+00:00

Tried this without success. The renamed files are not under the main onedrive folder. It puts it in the documents folder and even then it is hidden. I can find it if I search for it but it does not show up when I open the documents folder. This is screen capture of the folders and their location. The first one is empty the renamed files are below it.
Kerry Comeaux 0 Reputation points

2026-03-21T13:13:36.0833333+00:00

While online in OneDrive I copied the pictures from the renamed folder to the main folder which is empty,,, The files show up one line but not on my computer i.e. the folder is still empty.
John Jefferson Doyon 65,405 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-03-21T16:09:02.87+00:00

Your files exist, but OneDrive is syncing to a different path (Documents), and some are hidden.

Right-click OneDrive cloud icon

Go to Settings > Account > Choose folders

Make sure the folder with your pictures is checked

Answer 2

John Jefferson Doyon 65,405 Independent Advisor

Hi, I'm John! I will help you with this.

Where are you checking your files, from OneDrive online or File Explorer on your PC?

If you haven't already, please check OneDrive online: https://onedrive.live.com

Open the same folders or search specific files.

Do you see the pictures there?

Also check the Recycle Bin online.

Let me know what you find.

Click "Add comment" to let me know.

Regards,

John J.D.

Kerry Comeaux 0 Reputation points

2026-03-19T20:11:44.9766667+00:00

I'm looking in both locations. I can find a folder with the same name which has the pictures in it but a different date. Everything was working fine until a few days ago.
John Jefferson Doyon 65,405 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-03-19T20:22:02.96+00:00
Thank you for letting me know.

Did you sign in/out, update OneDrive, or use another device before this happened?

In OneDrive online, do you see two folders with the same name but different dates?

Which one has the correct pictures?

It sounds like a sync issue or possible folder duplication.

Try this:

Use the folder that has the files (correct one)

Rename it slightly (example: add “_new”)

Check if it syncs properly to your PC

Also check:

OneDrive Recycle Bin (online)

Any sync errors (OneDrive icon near clock)

Let me know how it goes. If the issue persists, please provide more details by answering my questions.
Kerry Comeaux 0 Reputation points

2026-03-19T20:59:46.0833333+00:00

I renamed the file with pictures but it did not sync with the pc. I restarted the pc but still did not see the renamed file. I do not see any errors other than a red x near Desktop icon