Zoom Directory and all files missing | Community
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Newcomer
April 10, 2026
Question

Zoom Directory and all files missing

  • April 10, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 25 views

With many years of using Zoom, I have literally have (HAD) hundreds of files in the Zoom directory.  Today the directory and all files are gone. I discovered my charge card was declined for a March 31st payment and my Zoom service was discontinued today. I had done a Zoom call with recording a couple of hours ago, and had no knowledge of an issue.  In checking into my account, I discovered the payment issues and issued a new card. which was approved and the account was reinstated. BUT all my files are gone!  I checked the recycle bin and nothing. I’m wondering did Zoom erase all my years of files, they were there earlier today. 

    1 reply

    aluyun
    Community Manager
    Community Manager
    May 13, 2026

    Hi ​@David Martin,


    I am sorry to hear what happened. To answer your query, Zoom doesn’t erase or delete local recording files on your computer. Local recordings are saved only on your device, so if the entire “Zoom” folder disappeared, it’s usually due to something on the computer side (folder moved, deleted, profile/location change, sync tool, etc.), not the billing suspension itself. 

     

    Here’s what to check next to locate them:

    1. Check Zoom’s local recording location setting
    • In the Zoom desktop app, go to Settings > Recording and look for Store my recordings at (the folder path).
    • Use Open (if shown) to jump directly to the folder Zoom is currently using.
    1. Manually search the default Zoom local recording folder Default locations are:
    • Windows: C:\Users\<Username>\Documents\Zoom
    • macOS: /Users/<Username>/Documents/Zoom
    • Linux: /home/<Username>/Documents/Zoom 
    1. Search your computer for Zoom recording file types / meeting folders If the folder was moved or renamed, search your drive for:
    • folders named like Zoom meeting dates/times, or
    • recording files (commonly .mp4.m4a), or
    • Zoom recording folders under Documents

    About cloud recordings (if any of those “hundreds of files” were cloud recordings):

    • Cloud recordings are tied to your Zoom account. Suspension/cancellation timing affects retention differently than local files; Zoom notes cloud recordings are retained during suspension and may be deleted after cancellation timelines (for example, 30 days after account cancellation).

    I hope this helps and thank you for joining Zoom Community!