To recover deleted files on a Chromebook or Chromebook Plus, first check the Files app Trash, where most locally deleted files remain for 30 days. Google Drive also keeps deleted files for 30 days, while backed-up photos and videos may remain in Google Photos Trash for up to 60 days. Files permanently deleted from local Chromebook storage, erased by a Powerwash, or removed during ChromeOS recovery are much harder to restore, so important files should be backed up to Google Drive or another storage location.
Accidentally deleting an important document, photo, video, or download can be stressful, but the file may still be recoverable. The correct method depends on where the file was stored and how it was deleted.
Most files deleted through the Chromebook Files app remain in Trash for 30 days. Google Drive files also remain in Drive Trash for 30 days, while backed-up photos and videos can remain in Google Photos Trash for up to 60 days. Files permanently deleted from local Chromebook storage are much harder, and often impossible, to recover.
The same recovery methods work on both regular Chromebooks and Chromebook Plus laptops . Chromebook Plus offers faster hardware and additional features, but it still uses ChromeOS and the same Files app, Google Drive, and Trash systems.
Highlights To recover a recently deleted Chromebook file, open the Files app, select Trash , right-click the file, and choose Restore from trash . Files normally remain there for 30 days. If the file was saved in Google Drive or Google Photos, check the separate Trash folder for that service. Local files erased by a Powerwash, ChromeOS recovery, or permanent deletion usually cannot be restored through standard Chromebook software.
First, find out where the file was stored Before trying recovery tools, identify where the missing file was located. A Chromebook can display files from several different storage systems inside the same Files app, but each system has its own recovery process.
File location
Where to check
Typical recovery window
Downloads or My files
Files app Trash
30 days
Google Drive
Google Drive Trash
30 days
Google Photos
Google Photos Trash
Up to 60 days for backed-up items
OneDrive, Dropbox, or another cloud service
That service’s website or Trash
Depends on the provider
USB drive or SD card
Data recovery software on another computer
Depends on overwriting
Linux files
Linux backup or another saved copy
No standard ChromeOS undelete tool
Files erased by Powerwash
Cloud storage or external backup
Local copies are normally lost
Google Drive Trash and the Chromebook Files app Trash are not the same location. Check both if you are unsure where the file was originally saved.
1. Recover files from the Chromebook Trash folder ChromeOS sends most locally deleted files to the Trash folder instead of removing them immediately. Files remain there for 30 days before ChromeOS permanently deletes them.
To restore a deleted file:
Select the Launcher in the corner of the screen. Open the Files app. Select Trash from the left sidebar. Find the deleted file or folder. Right-click the item. Select Restore from trash . You can also select the file and use the Restore from trash button at the top of the Files app.
Open the restored file after recovery to make sure it is complete and working correctly. Then move important files to Google Drive or another backup location.
What if Trash is missing? First, make sure your Chromebook is running the latest available ChromeOS update. Restart the device after updating and reopen the Files app.
You should also check Google Drive Trash. A file deleted from the Google Drive section of the Files app may need to be restored through Google Drive rather than the local Files app Trash.
Some files are not sent to Trash. ChromeOS displays a warning when an action will permanently delete a file instead of moving it to Trash.
2. Recover deleted files from Google Drive Files stored in Google Drive are saved online rather than only on the Chromebook. This gives you another recovery option if the local device is lost, damaged, reset, or replaced.
To recover a deleted Google Drive file:
Open Chrome. Go to Google Drive. Select Trash in the left menu. Find the deleted file. Right-click the file. Select Restore . Google Drive keeps files in Trash for 30 days. After that, they are automatically deleted.
You can sort the Trash folder by the date an item was deleted, which can make recently removed files easier to find.
What if the Google Drive file was permanently deleted? Google provides a file-recovery request option for some signed-in users. Recovery is not guaranteed, so submit the request as soon as possible after noticing the loss.
For a work or school Google Workspace account, contact the organization’s administrator immediately. A Workspace administrator can restore deleted Drive data for up to 25 days after the user empties their Trash. After that additional period, Google purges the data and the administrator can no longer restore it.
The chances of recovery become much lower after the standard Trash period and any available administrative recovery window have passed.
3. Recover deleted photos and videos Photos on a Chromebook may be stored locally, in Google Drive, or in Google Photos. Check all three locations.
To restore an item from Google Photos:
Open Google Photos in Chrome or through the Google Photos app. Select Trash . Select the photo or video. Choose Restore . Backed-up photos and videos remain in Google Photos Trash for 60 days before permanent deletion.
Restoring the item returns it to your Google Photos library and any albums it previously appeared in.
If the photo was downloaded but never backed up, also check:
Files app Trash Google Drive Trash The original website, email, or messaging app A connected phone, camera, USB drive, or SD card 4. Search for a file that may not have been deleted A missing file is not always a deleted file. It may have been moved, renamed, saved to another folder, or opened from a different Google Account.
Before assuming the file is gone:
Open the Files app. Select Recent . Use the search button in the upper-right corner. Search part of the file name. Search by the file extension, such as .pdf, .docx, .jpg, or .mp4. Check Downloads , My files , Play files , and Google Drive . Confirm that you are signed in to the correct Google Account. The Files app can display recent files and search saved files by name. Android app files may appear under My files > Play files , while cloud files appear under services such as Google Drive.
Also check the app used to create the file. Google Docs, Microsoft 365, Canva, photo editors, and note-taking apps may store files online even when they appear to have been opened locally.
5. Check OneDrive, Dropbox, and other cloud services Chromebooks can connect to Google Drive and third-party cloud storage services. A document shown inside the Files app may actually be stored in OneDrive, Dropbox, an SMB server, or another online account. ChromeOS can also connect supported services directly to the Files app.
Sign in to the cloud service through its official website and check:
Trash Recycle Bin Deleted files Version history Shared folders Recent activity Recovery periods vary by provider and account type. Business and education accounts may also have administrator-controlled retention policies.
If someone else owned the file, ask the owner to check their Trash. Removing a shared file from your view does not always delete the owner’s original copy.
6. Recover files deleted from a USB drive or SD card A file deleted from removable storage may not appear in the Chromebook Trash folder. Recovery may still be possible if the deleted data has not been overwritten.
Immediately stop using the USB drive or SD card. Do not copy new files onto it, format it, or continue taking photos with the card. Formatting an external device erases its files.
For the best chance of recovery:
Safely eject the device from the Chromebook. Connect it to a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer. Use reputable data recovery software to scan the removable drive. Preview the files found by the scan. Save recovered files to a different drive. Do not restore recovered files onto the same USB drive or SD card being scanned. Writing new data to the device may overwrite other deleted files that could still be recovered.
Current recovery utilities are generally designed for Windows, macOS, or Linux rather than ChromeOS. Tools such as PhotoRec and TestDisk can scan common removable-storage file systems, although no program can guarantee a successful recovery.
7. Can permanently deleted local Chromebook files be recovered? In most cases, permanently deleted files from a Chromebook’s internal storage cannot be recovered with a normal app or browser extension.
ChromeOS encrypts local user data at the system level. Each user receives a separate encrypted storage vault tied to their login credentials and protected by the device’s security hardware. This design protects data if the Chromebook is lost or stolen, but it also makes traditional drive-scanning recovery methods far less practical.
Be careful with Chrome extensions or Android apps that claim to recover permanently deleted files from the internal drive. A browser extension does not receive unrestricted access to the Chromebook’s encrypted file system. Chrome webpages are sandboxed and cannot directly access user files without permission.
For an extremely valuable file, stop using the device and contact a professional data recovery service before resetting or reinstalling ChromeOS. Success is uncertain, particularly if the file was permanently deleted, the storage has failed, or the Chromebook has already been erased.
8. Can you recover files after a Powerwash? A Powerwash resets a Chromebook to its factory settings. It removes accounts, apps, settings, and files stored on the internal drive. Google advises users to back up files to Google Drive or an external drive before starting the reset.
After a Powerwash, sign back in and check:
Google Drive Google Photos OneDrive or Dropbox Email attachments Shared Google Drive folders External hard drives USB drives and SD cards Backups made by individual apps Files that existed only in Downloads , My files , the Linux environment, or another local folder are normally lost after the reset.
Synced Chrome data, including bookmarks, extensions, and certain settings, may return when you sign in again. That does not mean locally stored documents and downloads were backed up.
9. Does Chromebook Recovery Utility restore personal files? No. Chromebook operating system recovery and personal file recovery are two different processes.
The Chromebook Recovery Utility reinstalls ChromeOS when the operating system is missing or damaged. Google states that this process permanently erases everything on the Chromebook’s internal drive, including downloaded files.
Do not run OS recovery when your main goal is to retrieve local files from a Chromebook that still starts. Back up any accessible files first.
ChromeOS recovery should be used for serious operating system problems, not as a deleted-file recovery tool.
10. Recover local files after changing your Google password A Chromebook may ask for your previous password after you change the password for your Google Account. The old password is sometimes needed to unlock local encrypted data already stored on the device.
Try entering the password that was previously used to sign in to that Chromebook. Google specifically recommends trying the old password after a recent password change.
ChromeOS also includes a Local data recovery feature. When enabled before a password problem occurs, it can help you regain access to files stored locally even if you forget the old password. Google says the feature is available on Chromebooks starting with ChromeOS M118.
To enable it for future protection:
Select the time in the lower-right corner. Open Settings . Select Security & Privacy . Open Lock screen and sign in . Turn on Local data recovery . This feature does not undelete files. It only helps you access local data that still exists when you lose or change your password.
How to prevent Chromebook file loss Chromebooks work best when important files are stored in the cloud rather than only in the Downloads folder. Google describes Downloads as a temporary local folder and warns that ChromeOS may remove downloaded files when it needs to free storage space.
Save important files to Google Drive When saving a new file, select Google Drive > My Drive instead of Downloads. Files stored in Drive remain available after replacing or resetting the Chromebook.
You can also change Chrome’s default download location:
Open Chrome. Select the three-dot menu. Open Settings . Select Downloads . Select Change beside the download location. Choose a folder in Google Drive. Another option is to enable Ask where to save each file before downloading , which lets you choose a safe location for every download.
Back up Linux files Linux files are stored inside the Chromebook’s Linux environment and need a separate backup.
To create one:
Open Settings . Select Advanced or About ChromeOS , depending on the interface. Open Developers . Select Linux . Open Back up and restore . Create a backup and save it to Google Drive or external storage. ChromeOS includes built-in tools for backing up and restoring Linux files and applications.
Use more than one backup For irreplaceable files, use at least two storage locations. For example, keep one copy in Google Drive and another on an external drive.
This protects against:
Accidental deletion Account problems Hardware failure Powerwash resets Corrupted storage Lost or stolen devices Cloud synchronization mistakes Need a new Chromebook? Three Acer models to consider Recovering a deleted file is much easier when your Chromebook is working properly and your important data is synchronized with Google Drive. If your current device is damaged, running out of storage, or due for replacement, these Acer Chromebooks offer three different options for work, school, travel, and everyday use.
Acer Chromebook Spin 314: Best all-around option The Acer Chromebook Spin 314 is a versatile choice for users who want the convenience of both a laptop and a tablet. Its convertible design lets you switch between laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes, while the 14-inch WUXGA touchscreen provides a spacious 1920 x 1200 resolution and a taller 16:10 aspect ratio.
This configuration includes an Intel N200 quad-core processor, 4 GB of LPDDR5 memory, and 64 GB of eMMC storage. It is well suited to web browsing, Google Docs, video streaming, online classes, and other cloud-based tasks. The touchscreen and convertible design also make it useful for reading, presentations, and entertainment.
Because the device has 64 GB of local storage, important documents and photos should be saved to Google Drive instead of remaining only in the Downloads folder. Doing so protects your files if the Chromebook is lost, damaged, reset, or replaced.
Acer Chromebook Tab 311: Best for portable productivity The Acer Chromebook Tab 311 combines the portability of a tablet with the productivity of ChromeOS. It has an 11-inch WUXGA touchscreen with a 1920 x 1200 resolution and includes a portfolio keyboard, allowing it to function as a compact laptop when typing documents, answering emails, or working in Google Workspace.
Inside, the Chromebook Tab 311 has a MediaTek Kompanio 520 octa-core processor, 8 GB of LPDDR4X memory, and 128 GB of eMMC storage. The additional memory and storage make it the strongest option of these three for users who keep more Android apps, downloaded media, or offline files on their device.
Its compact design makes it a practical option for students, travelers, and users who want a lightweight device for reading, streaming, note-taking, and everyday productivity. Even with 128 GB of storage, important files should still be backed up to Google Drive or a second storage location.
Acer Chromebook 311: Best for simple everyday use The Acer Chromebook 311 is a straightforward Chromebook for browsing, schoolwork, email, Google Docs, and other essential tasks . Its compact 11.6-inch HD display makes it easier to carry between classes, meetings, or different rooms at home.
This model includes a MediaTek MT8189GV/AZ octa-core processor, 4 GB of LPDDR5X memory, and 64 GB of eMMC storage. It is a good fit for users who primarily work through Chrome, Google Workspace, web applications, and cloud storage rather than demanding local software.
Since its internal storage is designed around lightweight and cloud-based use, regularly moving files from Downloads to Google Drive is especially important. This also makes it easier to access the same documents from another Chromebook, phone, tablet, or computer.
Bottom line Deleted files on a Chromebook or Chromebook Plus are easiest to recover when they are still in the Files app Trash, Google Drive Trash, or Google Photos Trash. Check each location separately, since ChromeOS and Google’s cloud services do not use one shared Trash folder.
Local files become much harder to recover after permanent deletion, a Powerwash, or ChromeOS operating system recovery. ChromeOS encrypts local storage for security, so traditional undelete software normally cannot scan a Chromebook’s internal drive in the same way it can scan removable storage or a conventional PC drive.
Act quickly, avoid resetting the Chromebook, and stop using an affected USB drive or SD card until recovery has been attempted. Once the missing file has been restored, move it to Google Drive and create a second backup for anything that cannot be replaced.
If your existing device is damaged or ready for replacement, Acer offers several options for different needs. The Acer Chromebook Spin 314 provides a larger convertible touchscreen, the Chromebook Tab 311 combines a portable tablet with an included keyboard, and the Chromebook 311 covers essential everyday computing in a compact design. Regardless of the device you choose, keeping important files in Google Drive remains the best way to protect them from accidental deletion, hardware problems, and factory resets.
Frequently asked questions Where is the Trash folder on a Chromebook?
Open the Files app and select Trash from the left sidebar. Most locally deleted files remain there for 30 days before permanent deletion.
How do I recover a deleted file from Chromebook Downloads?
Open Files > Trash , right-click the file, and select Restore from trash . If the file is not there, check Google Drive, Google Photos, other cloud accounts, and the original download source.
Can I recover permanently deleted files on a Chromebook?
Permanently deleted local files are usually not recoverable through standard Chromebook software. Google Drive may offer a limited-time recovery request, and Google Workspace administrators receive an additional 25-day restoration window after a user empties Drive Trash.
Can I recover Chromebook files after 30 days?
Local Files app Trash and Google Drive Trash normally delete items after 30 days. Google Photos keeps backed-up photos and videos in Trash for up to 60 days. Permanently deleted Drive files may have limited additional recovery options, but restoration is not guaranteed.
Can I recover files after a Chromebook Powerwash?
Files stored only on the internal drive are normally erased by a Powerwash. Files saved in Google Drive, Google Photos, another cloud service, or an external backup can be downloaded again after signing in.
Does Chromebook Plus have better file recovery?
Chromebook Plus uses the same ChromeOS recovery systems as other current Chromebooks. Files app Trash, Google Drive Trash, Google Photos, Powerwash behavior, and Local data recovery work in the same basic way.
Can a Chromebook recovery app restore deleted files?
Apps and browser extensions generally cannot recover permanently deleted files from encrypted internal Chromebook storage. Recovery software may help with an SD card or USB drive when the device is connected to a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer.
Can I undo a deleted file on Chromebook?
If the deletion notification is still visible, ChromeOS may show an immediate undo option. Otherwise, open the Files app Trash and restore the file from there before the 30-day period ends.
Why did my Chromebook delete my Downloads?
The Downloads folder is local, temporary storage. Google warns that a Chromebook may remove downloaded files when internal storage becomes low. Save important downloads to Google Drive or an external storage device.
Does resetting a Google password delete Chromebook files?
Changing the password does not directly delete cloud files. It can prevent access to encrypted local data if the Chromebook asks for the previous password. Enable Local data recovery in advance to reduce this risk.
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