how to recover unsaved excel file,How to Recover Unsaved Excel File: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Recover Unsaved Excel File: A Comprehensive Guide

Accidentally closing an unsaved Excel file can be a nightmare, especially when you have spent hours working on it. But fear not, there are several methods you can try to recover your lost work. In this article, I will walk you through the different ways to recover an unsaved Excel file, ensuring that you don’t lose your precious data.

Check the Recycle Bin or Trash

One of the simplest ways to recover an unsaved Excel file is to check the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac). When you delete a file, it often gets moved to these folders instead of being permanently deleted. Here’s how to do it:

1. On Windows, open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking on its icon on the desktop. On Mac, open the Trash by clicking on its icon in the dock.
2. Search for the Excel file you were working on. You can use the search bar at the top right corner of the window.
3. Right-click on the file and select “Restore” (Windows) or drag the file out of the Trash (Mac). This will move the file back to its original location.

Use the “Undo Close” Command

Microsoft Excel has a “Undo Close” command that can sometimes help you recover an unsaved file. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open Microsoft Excel.
2. Go to the “File” menu and select “Open” or press “Ctrl + O” (Windows) or “Cmd + O” (Mac).
3. Instead of browsing for a file, click on the “Recent” tab at the top of the window.
4. Scroll through the list of recently opened files and look for the unsaved Excel file. If you find it, double-click on it to open it.

Check the AutoRecover Folder

Microsoft Excel automatically saves a copy of your work at regular intervals. These copies are stored in a hidden folder called “AutoRecover.” Here’s how to find and open the AutoRecover folder:

1. Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
2. Enter the following path in the address bar: C:UsersYourUsernameAppDataRoamingMicrosoftExcel (Windows) or ~/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office15 (Mac), where “YourUsername” is your Windows username.
3. Look for a folder named “AutoRecover.” Inside this folder, you will find multiple files with names like “Book1_autorecover.xlsx.” These files are copies of your unsaved work.
4. Double-click on the file you want to recover and it will open in Excel.

Use a File Recovery Tool

If the above methods don’t work, you can try using a file recovery tool. These tools scan your hard drive for deleted files and can often recover unsaved Excel files. Here are a few popular file recovery tools:

Prevent Future Loss

Now that you know how to recover an unsaved Excel file, it’s important to take steps to prevent future loss. Here are a few tips:

• Regularly save your work by pressing “Ctrl + S” (Windows) or “Cmd + S” (Mac).
• Use the “AutoSave” feature in Excel to automatically save your work at regular intervals.