How to Recover a Missing Excel Worksheet After Moving in SharePoint
Question details
The user needs to recover a missing worksheet or lost version history from an Excel workbook that was moved between SharePoint sites.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel / SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Moving an Excel workbook between different SharePoint sites resulting in lost data.
- Observed behavior
- A specific worksheet or part of the file's version history appears to be missing or deleted after the move operation is completed.
Before attempting recovery, ensure you have Site Owner or Administrator permissions in your SharePoint environment to access the second-stage Recycle Bin and library restoration tools.
Check the SharePoint Recycle Bins
Search the primary and second-stage recycle bins for the missing workbook versions or deleted worksheets.
Navigate to your SharePoint site and click on 'Recycle bin' located in the left-hand navigation pane.
Look for any deleted versions of your Excel workbook. If you find the missing file, select it and click 'Restore'.
If the file is not in the primary bin, scroll to the bottom of the page and click the 'Second-stage recycle bin' link.
Select the missing version if it appears in the second-stage recycle bin and click 'Restore' to recover it.
Restore from SharePoint Version History
Use SharePoint's built-in version history feature to revert the workbook to a state before the move.
Restore the Entire Document Library
If individual versions are gone, ask a site administrator to restore the entire library to an earlier point in time.
Switch to WPS Office for Reliable File Management
While recovering lost files and versions in SharePoint can be complex and dependent on administrator settings, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight alternative with robust local and cloud backup features. Enjoy familiar interfaces, seamless compatibility, and prevent unexpected file loss.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installation package for your device.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the software.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Spreadsheets to directly open, edit, and safely save your existing Excel workbooks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Excel version history disappear after moving it in SharePoint?
When you move a file between different SharePoint sites, the version history is often not carried over by default. Typically, only the latest version is moved, causing older versions to appear lost.
Can version limits in SharePoint delete my older Excel versions?
Yes, site administrators can configure strict version limits in the document library settings. If the maximum limit of versions is reached, the oldest versions are automatically and permanently deleted.
Is there a difference between moving and copying a file in SharePoint regarding version history?
Yes. Copying a file creates a brand-new file in the destination with absolutely no previous version history. Moving a file within the same site library retains its history, but moving it across different sites usually drops the version history.
