Version History Issues

How to Restore Deleted Excel Columns After Saving

Maira Mehtab Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to recover accidentally deleted spreadsheet columns after the Excel file has already been saved.

How to Restore Deleted Excel Columns After Saving

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Columns were deleted by mistake, and the user saved the workbook. The user now wants to undo the deletion and restore the missing data.
Observed behavior: The columns and their data are missing from the current saved state of the workbook, requiring session-level undo or previous version restoration.

Before you start

Do not close the Excel workbook if it is still open, as closing it will clear your undo history permanently. Check if your file is stored locally on your hard drive or synced to a cloud service like OneDrive or SharePoint.

Solution 1

Use the Undo Shortcut in an Active Session

Use this method if you have saved the file but have not yet closed the Excel application.

Excel retains the undo history for your current session even immediately after you click Save. As long as the file remains open, you can reverse recent changes, including column deletions.

Trigger the Undo Command

Press the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Cmd + Z (Mac) immediately after realizing the columns were deleted.

Verify Column Restoration

Check your spreadsheet to see if the deleted columns reappear. You may need to press the shortcut multiple times if you performed other actions after the deletion.

Save the Restored File

Once the columns are back, press Ctrl + S to save the file again with the restored data.

Action Limitation: If you have already closed the Excel window, the temporary undo memory is completely erased, and this method will not work.

Solution 2Recommended

Restore from OneDrive or SharePoint Version History

The best and most reliable method if your Excel file is saved to a Microsoft cloud service with AutoSave enabled.

Solution 3

Check Local File Backups

Use this method if you had the 'Always create backup' feature enabled for your local workbook.

WPS Spreadsheet Recovery

Easily Prevent Data Loss with WPS Office Local Backup

WPS Office Spreadsheet provides an advanced, built-in Local Backup Center. It automatically keeps copies of your spreadsheet history on your local drive, allowing you to easily recover deleted columns, even if you don't use cloud storage.

1. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and open your spreadsheet document.
2. Access the Backup Center: Click on 'Menu' in the top-left corner, navigate to 'Backup and Recovery', and select 'Auto Backup'.
3. Locate Previous Versions: Click 'Local Backup' to open the backup directory. Browse the automatically saved versions of your file organized by time.
4. Restore Your Data: Double-click the version saved before the columns were deleted, and easily copy your data back into your current file.

Built-in Local Backup Center prevents accidental data lossFully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls) formatsAutomatic file recovery options for crashed or closed documentsFree, lightweight, and user-friendly interface

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Undo shortcut (Ctrl+Z) work after saving an Excel file?

Yes, pressing Ctrl+Z will still undo actions like deleting columns after you click Save, but only if the Excel file is still open. Once you close the application or the specific workbook, the undo history is permanently cleared.

Can I recover deleted columns if I saved and closed a local file without cloud sync?

Generally, no. If the file was saved and closed entirely on a local hard drive without OneDrive sync, AutoRecover, or a manual backup file (.xlk) enabled, the previous state of the document is overwritten and cannot be recovered.

How do I enable Version History for future Excel files?

Version History is automatically enabled when you save your Excel files to Microsoft OneDrive or SharePoint. Simply save your document to your connected cloud account, and AutoSave will track and store your file versions automatically.

Document & File Issues