How to Recover a Word Document Renamed with a Tilde and Random Numbers in WPS Office
Question details
The user needs to recover a Microsoft Word document after finding only a temporary file named with a tilde and random numbers, such as ~WRLXXXX, and wants to locate the original file or restore it from available backups.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A user discovered a Word file named with a tilde and random numbers after Word may have closed or crashed, and now needs to recover the original document.
- Observed behavior
- Only a temporary file with a tilde and random numbers remains. It is not normally the original document and may be deleted when Word closes.
Before attempting recovery, note the original file name and the folder where the Word document was last saved. Close Microsoft Word only after you have checked whether the document is still open, and avoid editing or moving the ~WRLXXXX temporary file.
Search for the Original Document and Check Word AutoRecover
Use this method first when only a ~WRLXXXX temporary file remains. The original document may still be in its saved folder or in Word’s AutoRecover location.
A file named ~WRLXXXX with random numbers is normally a Microsoft Word temporary file, not the original document. Searching for the original file and opening AutoRecover are the fastest ways to restore your content.
Open File Explorer on Windows or Finder on Mac, go to the folder where the file was last saved, and type the original file name or *.docx in the search box.
In Microsoft Word, select File > Info > Manage Document > Recover Unsaved Documents, or go to File > Options > Save and open the AutoRecover file location.
If an AutoRecover or backup file appears, open it and immediately select File > Save As to save it as a new .docx file.
Restore a Previous Version from OneDrive or SharePoint
Use this if the original document was saved to OneDrive or SharePoint. Version History can restore an earlier copy even after the local file is gone.
Use Time Machine or Cloud Storage Recovery Tools
Use this if you are on a Mac with Time Machine or if the document was synced by another cloud storage service such as Dropbox or Google Drive.
Recover Word Documents More Easily with WPS Office Backup Center
WPS Office is a free, lightweight Microsoft Word alternative that opens and saves .docx and .doc files with high compatibility. With a familiar ribbon interface, built-in Backup Center, and auto-save, you can reduce the risk of losing documents and recover work without relying on Microsoft Word temporary files.
- 1. Download and install WPS Office: Click Download WPS Office Free, install it on your device, and launch WPS Writer.
- 2. Open your Word document: In WPS Writer, click File > Open and select the .docx or .doc file you want to recover or edit.
- 3. Enable Backup Center: Go to File > Backup Center or open Settings and turn on Auto Backup so WPS Office keeps recoverable copies of your documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a file named ~WRLXXXX actually mean?
It is a Microsoft Word temporary file, often created while a document is open. It is not the original document and is usually deleted automatically when Word closes.
Can I rename the ~WRLXXXX file to .docx to recover it?
No, renaming a temporary file generally will not recover the original content. Instead, search for the original .docx file or use Word AutoRecover and version history.
Where do I find Word AutoRecover files?
In Word, select File > Info > Manage Document > Recover Unsaved Documents, or go to File > Options > Save and open the AutoRecover file location shown there.
What should I do if the document was saved in OneDrive?
Sign in to OneDrive, locate the original file, right-click it or select the ellipsis (...) next to it, choose Version History, and restore an earlier version.
Can WPS Office recover Microsoft Word temporary files?
WPS Office cannot directly recover a Microsoft Word ~WRLXXXX temporary file, but it opens .docx and .doc files and includes a Backup Center and auto-save to help recover and prevent document loss.
