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How to Find and Sort Word AutoRecover Files by Date
Question details
The user needs to locate the Microsoft Word AutoRecover folder, display hidden files to access it, and sort the recovered temporary files by date to find a specific unsaved document.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to recover an unsaved or lost Word document by locating the automatic backup files after an unexpected crash or closure.
- Observed behavior
- AutoRecover temporary files are difficult to locate because they are typically stored in a hidden AppData folder and are not ordered chronologically by default.
Ensure you know how to navigate Windows File Explorer, as you will need to reveal hidden system folders to access the default AutoRecover directory.
Locate and Sort AutoRecover Files via File Explorer
Find the exact AutoRecover path in Word settings and use Windows File Explorer to reveal hidden folders and sort the backup files by date.
Microsoft Word saves AutoRecover files in a specific directory on your local drive. Because this folder is located within the hidden AppData directory, you must adjust your File Explorer view settings to access it.
Open Microsoft Word, click on the 'File' tab, select 'Options', and navigate to the 'Save' tab in the left pane. Highlight and copy the folder path listed next to 'AutoRecover file location'.
Press Windows Key + E to open File Explorer. Paste the copied path into the address bar at the top and press Enter.
If the folder appears empty or cannot be found, click the 'View' tab at the top of File Explorer and check the box for 'Hidden items' in the Show/hide group.
Right-click anywhere in the blank space of the folder, hover over 'Sort by', and select 'Date modified'. This will arrange the temporary files chronologically so you can find your most recent unsaved document.
Use the Built-in 'Recover Unsaved Documents' Feature
Use Word's native recovery tool to quickly open the temporary folder without manually navigating through Windows directories.
Never Lose a File Again with WPS Office's Smart Auto-Backup
WPS Office provides highly reliable auto-backup and document recovery features, ensuring your unsaved work is protected and easily accessible without navigating through complex hidden folders.
- 1. Open WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and click on 'Menu' at the top left corner of the interface.
- 2. Access Backup Center: Navigate to 'Backup and Recovery' and select 'Backup Center' from the dropdown list.
- 3. View Local Backups: Click on 'Local Backup' to view all automatically saved versions of your documents in a clean, organized list.
- 4. Sort and Restore: Click the time or date column to instantly sort your backed-up files chronologically, then double-click to restore your lost work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I see the AutoRecover folder in File Explorer?
The AutoRecover folder is usually located within the 'AppData' directory, which Windows hides by default to protect system files. You must enable 'Hidden items' under the View tab in File Explorer to make this folder visible.
How long does Word keep AutoRecover files?
By default, Microsoft Word may automatically delete AutoRecover files that are older than four days. It is a best practice to locate and save your recovered documents immediately after an unexpected shutdown or crash.
Does AutoRecover replace the need to save manually?
No, AutoRecover is designed exclusively for emergency recovery in the event of a program crash, system freeze, or power failure. It does not replace the standard file saving process. Always save your work manually using Ctrl+S or by enabling AutoSave if you are using a cloud-synced directory.
Why are my temporary AutoRecover files named with random letters and numbers?
Before a document is formally saved with a name, Word generates temporary files using system codes and an .asd extension (e.g., ~WRA1234.asd). Sorting these files by 'Date modified' is the best way to identify which file contains your most recent work.
