How to Recover an Excel File Not Saved: A Comprehensive Guide
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you’ve lost an unsaved Excel file? It can be a frustrating experience, especially if the file contains important data. But don’t worry, there are several methods you can try to recover your lost Excel file. In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps to recover an Excel file that wasn’t saved, using both built-in and third-party tools.
Check the Recycle Bin or Trash
One of the first places to check for a deleted unsaved Excel file is 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 check:
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On Windows, open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking on its icon on the desktop. Search for your Excel file in the list of deleted items. If you find it, right-click on the file and select “Restore” to recover it to its original location.
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On Mac, open the Trash by clicking on its icon in the dock. Find your Excel file and drag it back to your desktop or the desired folder.
Use the “Undo Close” Command
Microsoft Excel has an “Undo Close” command that can sometimes help recover an unsaved file. This feature is available for a short period after you close the file without saving. Here’s how to use it:
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Open Excel and go to the “File” menu.
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Select “Open” and then click on “Recent” at the bottom of the window.
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Scroll through the list of recently opened files and look for the one you want to recover. If it’s there, click on it to open it.
Check the AutoRecover Folder
Excel automatically saves a copy of your work to the AutoRecover folder at regular intervals. If you’ve enabled this feature, you might be able to recover your unsaved file from there. Here’s how to find the AutoRecover folder:
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Open Excel and go to the “File” menu.
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Select “Options” and then click on “Save” in the left-hand pane.
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Under the “AutoRecover files every” section, you’ll see the location of the AutoRecover folder. Click on “Open AutoRecover files” to open the folder and search for your file.
Use a Third-Party File Recovery Tool
If the above methods don’t work, you can try using a third-party file recovery tool. These tools are designed to scan your computer for deleted files and recover them. Some popular options include:
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Recuva | Recuva is a free file recovery tool that can recover deleted files from various storage devices, including hard drives, USB flash drives, and memory cards. |
| EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard | EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is a powerful file recovery tool that offers a free version with limited features. It can recover deleted files from various storage devices and supports a wide range of file formats. |
| Stellar Data Recovery | Stellar Data Recovery is a comprehensive file recovery tool that offers a free trial. It can recover deleted files from various storage devices and supports a wide range of file formats, including Excel files. |
Prevent Future Loss of Unsaved Excel Files
Now that you know how to recover an unsaved Excel file, it’s important to take steps to prevent future loss. Here are some tips:
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Enable AutoRecover in Excel by going to the “File” menu, selecting “Options,” and then clicking on “Save.” Set the “AutoRecover files every” interval
