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How to Find Missing Word and Excel Files After Microsoft 365 Update
Question details
The user needs to locate Word and Excel files that appear missing or deleted after updating or renewing a Microsoft 365 subscription.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- After installing a Microsoft 365 update or renewing the subscription, previously saved Word and Excel files are no longer visible in the application's recent documents list.
- Observed behavior
- Word and Excel documents appear to be missing, despite Microsoft Office updates generally not moving or deleting saved local files.
Verify that you are signed in to the correct Microsoft account associated with your Office apps and OneDrive, as logging into a different profile can make files appear missing.
Search Local Computer Storage for Missing Files
Since Office updates do not delete local files, your documents are likely still on your hard drive. You can find them by searching for their file names or extensions.
Software updates do not affect the location of files saved on your local disk. If your 'Recent Files' list was cleared during the update, manually searching your computer is the quickest way to locate your documents.
Open the Start menu or File Explorer and type the document name or file extension (such as .docx or .xlsx) into the search bar to locate the files.
Press Command + Spacebar to open Spotlight search, then type the exact name of your missing file or use extensions like .docx to locate it instantly on your Mac.
Check OneDrive and the Cloud Recycle Bin
If your documents were automatically saved to the cloud, they might be stored in your OneDrive account. You can recover them through the web portal if they were moved or deleted.
Use AutoRecover for Unsaved Documents
If your computer unexpectedly restarted during the update while a document was open, you may be able to recover it using the AutoRecover feature.
Enjoy Seamless Document Management with WPS Office
Tired of dealing with missing files, subscription renewals, and confusing interface changes after Microsoft 365 updates? WPS Office provides a stable, user-friendly, and completely free alternative that keeps your local files exactly where you leave them.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office suite for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Software: Follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to install WPS Office on your Windows or Mac computer in seconds.
- 3. Open Your Existing Files: Right-click any recovered Word or Excel file, select 'Open with', and choose WPS Office to continue your work without formatting issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will updating Microsoft 365 delete my locally saved documents?
No, updating or reinstalling Microsoft Office does not change the location of your files or delete them. They should remain in the folder where you originally saved them.
Why did my 'Recent Files' list disappear after the update?
App updates or signing out of your Microsoft account can occasionally clear the 'Recent Files' history within Word or Excel. The actual files are unharmed and can be found by manually browsing your local folders or OneDrive.
Can I use AutoRecover to restore a file I accidentally deleted?
No, AutoRecover is only designed to retrieve unsaved work following a system crash or unexpected app closure. It cannot act as a general recovery tool for deleted files; for that, you should check your computer's Recycle Bin or Mac Trash.
