Locating Files from Deleted Microsoft Teams Chats

Issue

When you go to a Teams chat and select the Shared option, previously shared files may briefly flash under the Recent section (default view). However, they often do not appear under the "Files" tab of the chat.

This is especially confusing when a chat has been deleted or is no longer accessible.

Cause

Microsoft Teams stores chat files differently depending on whether you shared the file or someone shared it with you:

• Files you share → Saved to your OneDrive in a folder called “Microsoft Teams Chat Files.”

• Files shared with you → Saved in the other person’s OneDrive and made available through permissions.

When a chat is deleted, the files are still there, but the context is lost.

Resolution

1. Finding Files You Shared

1. Go to OneDrive on the web:
   https://portal.office.com

2. In the left navigation, select My Files.

3. Open the folder “Microsoft Teams Chat Files.”

2. Finding Files Shared With You

1. In OneDrive, select Shared from the left-hand menu.

2. Choose Shared with me.

3. Browse by person to locate the individual who shared the file in Teams.

4. Open their shared folder or file.

3. Important Notes

• Files are not lost, but may be hard to locate without context.

• The original chat messages are not preserved in OneDrive.

• If the owner deletes the file from their OneDrive, your access is removed.

Best Practices

• Bookmark or download critical files when shared in Teams.

• Use the Files app in Teams to see your most recent file activity.

• Check OneDrive > Shared with me regularly for incoming files.

✅ Summary: Teams chat files do still exist after chats are deleted, but locating them requires going into OneDrive—either your own Microsoft Teams Chat Files folder or the Shared with me section for files sent by others.