How to Recover Unsaved Excel File: Step-by-Step Guide

Losing an unsaved Excel file can be stressful. Whether Excel crashes or you close the file accidentally, there’s still hope. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to recover unsaved Excel file using different simple methods. These include Excel’s built-in features and other recovery techniques that anyone can use. Let’s start recovering your lost Excel files.

1. How to Recover Unsaved Excel File: Step-by-Step Guide

Using Excel AutoRecover Feature

AutoRecover is built into Microsoft Excel. It automatically saves temporary versions of your workbook. If Excel closes unexpectedly, you can use this tool.

To recover your file:

• Open Excel and click “File”.
• Choose “Open”.
• Scroll down and click “Recover Unsaved Workbooks”.
• You will see a list of unsaved files. Pick the one you need.
• Click “Open” and then “Save As”.

This method works only if AutoRecover is enabled. Make sure to always keep it turned on.

Recover from Recent Documents

If you recently closed a file without saving, Excel often keeps it in the recent list.

Here’s how to get it back:

• Open Excel and go to “File” > “Open”.
• Click “Recent”.
• Scroll to the bottom and click “Recover Unsaved Workbooks”.
• Find the file, open it, and save it properly.

AutoRecover usually saves a backup every 10 minutes. So your lost work may still be available.

2. Restore Excel File Not Saved After Crash

What Happens When Excel Crashes?

Excel might crash due to power loss, system overload, or bugs. When this happens, unsaved work may be lost. But if AutoRecover is active, Excel stores a temporary copy.

Recovering Files from AutoSaved Locations

After a crash:

• Open Excel.
• A Document Recovery panel might appear.
• Click on the recovered file in that panel.
• If the panel doesn’t show, go to “File” > “Info”.
• Click “Manage Workbook” > “Recover Unsaved Workbooks”.

Then save the recovered file to a safe location. Excel’s crash recovery is reliable if settings are correct.

3. Retrieve Unsaved Excel File in Windows 10 and 11

Using File History Option

Windows has a backup tool called File History. If it’s turned on, it can recover previous versions.

To use it:

• Right-click the Excel file (or folder).
• Choose “Restore previous versions”.
• Pick an earlier version and click “Restore”.

This only works if File History was enabled earlier.

Navigating to Excel Temp Folder

You can also check temp files:

• Press Windows + R and type %temp%.
• Press Enter to open the temporary folder.
• Search for files that start with “~” or have random names.
• Try opening them in Excel and save them.

Temp folders often save work in progress, especially after a crash.

4. Recover Excel Files from Temporary Files

Finding .TMP and .ASD Files

Temporary files help recover unsaved work:

• TMP files are temporary backups.
• ASD files are auto-saved documents.

Steps:

• Open File Explorer.
• Go to C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\UnsavedFiles.
• Find files ending in .asd or .tmp.
• Open in Excel. If it works, save it quickly.

Step-by-Step File Restoration Process

1. Open Excel.
2. Go to File > Open > Recent.
3. Click on “Recover Unsaved Workbooks”.
4. Browse for matching temporary files.
5. Open and save your file.

Temporary files are a lifesaver when nothing else works.

5. How to Recover Overwritten Excel Files

Use Version History in Excel

You might save a file but accidentally overwrite important data. Excel and Windows both store older versions.

Steps:

• Right-click the file.
• Click “Properties”.
• Choose the “Previous Versions” tab.
• Select a version and click “Restore”.

You can also find it inside Excel:

• Open the file.
• Go to File > Info > Version History.
• Pick an older version and restore.

Restore Older Versions from OneDrive

If you saved your file in OneDrive, older versions may still exist:

• Log into your OneDrive account.
• Find the Excel file.
• Right-click and choose “Version history”.
• Choose a version and click “Restore”.

Overwriting doesn’t mean it’s gone. Versions help you go back in time.

6. Fix Excel AutoSave Not Working Issue

Common Causes of AutoSave Failures

AutoSave may not work if:

• You’re working on a file from your local drive instead of OneDrive.
• Your Excel version doesn’t support AutoSave.
• The setting is turned off.

How to Enable AutoSave Correctly

Steps to enable:

• Open Excel.
• Click File > Options > Save.
• Make sure “AutoSave OneDrive and SharePoint Online files by default” is enabled.
• Set AutoRecover interval to 5 or 10 minutes.

Always keep AutoSave active to protect your work.

7. Recover Deleted Excel Files from Recycle Bin or Backup

Manual Recovery from Recycle Bin

If you deleted a file, check the Recycle Bin:

• Open Recycle Bin on your desktop.
• Search for your Excel file.
• Right-click and choose “Restore”.

The file will return to its original folder.

Use File Recovery Software

If it’s not in the Recycle Bin:

• Try tools like Recuva or EaseUS.
• Scan the drive where the file was saved.
• Follow instructions to recover it.

Deleted files can still be recovered if no new data overwrites them.

8. Recover Excel Files from OneDrive or Google Drive

Check Version History in OneDrive

Files saved to OneDrive can be restored:

• Sign in to your OneDrive account.
• Right-click the Excel file.
• Select “Version history”.
• Choose an earlier version and click “Restore”.

Retrieve from Google Drive Backup

If using Google Drive:

• Go to Google Drive.
• Right-click your file.
• Choose “Manage versions”.
• Pick the version you want and download it.

Cloud storage adds a layer of safety for your important Excel data.

9. How to Set Up AutoRecover in Excel for Future Safety

Set AutoSave Intervals

To set up AutoRecover:

• Go to File > Options > Save.
• Tick the box for “Save AutoRecover information every X minutes”.
• Set it to 5 or 10 minutes for better protection.

Change AutoRecover File Location

You can change where Excel stores backup files:

• Under Save options, look for “AutoRecover file location”.
• Choose a folder that’s easy to access.
• Save settings and restart Excel.

These settings reduce the risk of losing unsaved work.

10. Common Reasons Excel Files Get Lost or Unsaved

Sudden Shutdowns or Power Loss

Power outages often cause unsaved work to vanish. Always use a power backup when working on important files.

Application Crashes or Manual Errors

Other causes include:

• Clicking “Don’t Save” by mistake.
• System updates forcing reboots.
• Excel closing without warning.

Knowing why files are lost helps you prevent future loss.

11. Using Microsoft 365 to Recover Unsaved Excel Workbooks

Cloud-Based Backup Benefits

Microsoft 365 offers real-time saving to the cloud. If your Excel crashes, you can open the file from another device and pick up where you left off.

Recover with 365 Version History

Files saved in OneDrive with 365:

• Store multiple versions automatically.
• Let you view and restore previous edits.
• Work across different devices.

This offers strong protection for your spreadsheets.

12. Best Free Excel File Recovery Tools You Can Use

Recuva, Disk Drill & More

These tools can scan your hard drive:

• Recuva is simple and free.
• Disk Drill is powerful but may require payment.
• EaseUS offers deep scans for better results.

How These Tools Work with Excel

Steps:

• Download and install the tool.
• Scan your drive.
• Locate Excel file types (.xls, .xlsx).
• Restore the selected file.

These tools often help when nothing else works.

13. Preventive Tips to Never Lose Excel Files Again

Save Your Work Regularly

Always use Ctrl + S to save changes as you work.

Use Backup & Sync Tools

Use cloud storage or backup software to protect your data. Tools like OneDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive are good choices.

Never rely on one device or location for storing work.

14. Recover Unsaved Excel File After Force Quit or Freeze

Steps to Take After Force Quit

If Excel was force closed:

• Reopen Excel.
• Check if a Document Recovery panel appears.
• If not, go to “File” > “Open” > “Recent” > “Recover Unsaved Workbooks”.

Find AutoRecovered Files

If Excel created backups:

• Check the UnsavedFiles folder.
• Look for autosaved versions with unusual names.
• Open and save them quickly.

Force quits often trigger autosaves just before closing.

15. How to Recover Unsaved Excel File on Mac

Use AutoRecover Folder on Mac

On Mac, Excel stores unsaved files at:
/Users/username/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Excel/Data/Library/Preferences/AutoRecovery

Search for .xls or .xlsx files there.

Mac-Specific Recovery Tools

You can also use Time Machine:

• Open Time Machine and go to the folder where the file was saved.
• Browse back in time to find an earlier version.
• Restore the file.

Mac offers several built-in ways to restore unsaved work.

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Conclusion

Recovering unsaved Excel files isn’t impossible. Whether you’re using built-in features like AutoRecover or trying tools like version history or temporary files, each method can help. Learn these steps, use them when needed, and always save your work often. This way, your important data stays safe and sound.

FAQs

1. Can Excel recover files not saved at all?
   Yes, using AutoRecover or unsaved files folder.
2. What if AutoRecover was disabled?
   You may still find temporary files or use recovery software.
3. Can you restore overwritten Excel files?
   Yes, with version history or system restore points.
4. How long does Excel keep unsaved files?
   Usually for 4 days unless deleted.
5. Where is the Excel AutoRecover folder?
   Check AppData > Local > Microsoft > Office > UnsavedFiles.
6. Can OneDrive recover Excel files?
   Yes, through file version history.
7. How often does AutoRecover save files?
   By default, every 10 minutes.
8. What file types are recoverable in Excel?
   .xlsx, .xls, .tmp, .asd
9. Is there a recycle bin in Excel?
   No, but Windows Recycle Bin can help.
10. Does Excel save after crash?
    Yes, if AutoRecover is on.