File Corruption & Recovery

Where Does Microsoft Word Store Unsaved and Hidden Document Files?

WPS Content Manager Oct 9, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to locate Microsoft Word documents that are missing, hidden from File Explorer, or were closed without being saved.

Where Does Microsoft Word Store Unsaved and Hidden Document Files?

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: Windows, macOS
Scenario: Trying to recover a lost document or discover the default directory where Word saves new files and temporary backups.
Observed behavior: The target document is not visible in standard folders like Documents or File Explorer, requiring advanced searching or navigation to hidden recovery directories.

Before you start

Before manually browsing hidden folders, try using the search bar in Windows File Explorer or Mac Finder to search for your document's name or the '.docx' extension.

Solution 1Recommended

Locate Unsaved Files via AutoRecover Settings

Use Word's built-in save options to find the exact folder path where temporary and unsaved documents are backed up.

Microsoft Word periodically saves a copy of your document if the AutoRecover feature is enabled. By checking Word's internal settings, you can find the exact hidden directory where these emergency files are stored.

Open Word Options

Launch Microsoft Word. Click on 'File' in the top left corner, then select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.

Navigate to Save Settings

In the Word Options dialog box, click on the 'Save' tab on the left-hand pane.

Copy the AutoRecover Path

Look for the 'AutoRecover file location' field. Highlight the folder path shown here, right-click, and select 'Copy'.

Open the Folder

Open Windows File Explorer (or Finder on Mac), paste the copied path into the address bar, and press Enter to view your hidden unsaved files.

Locate Unsaved Files via AutoRecover Settings

Look for ASD Files: In the AutoRecover folder, unsaved documents usually have an .asd extension. You can open these directly with Word to restore your work.

Solution 2

Check Recent Documents and Save As Path

Identify where a recently closed or currently open file is physically stored without digging through system folders.

Solution 3

Navigate to Default System Folders

Manually check the standard default directories where Word saves files on both Windows and Mac operating systems.

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1. Open WPS Backup Center: Launch WPS Writer, click on 'Menu' at the top left, and select 'Back up and Recover' > 'Auto Backup'.
2. Locate Unsaved Files Easily: Click 'Local Data Recovery' to open a centralized, easy-to-read list of all your automatically backed-up documents.
3. Restore in One Click: Double-click the desired backup version to instantly open and restore your lost work.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ASD file in Microsoft Word?

An ASD file is a temporary AutoRecover file generated by Microsoft Word. It contains a snapshot of the currently open document and is used to recover unsaved data in the event of a software crash or power failure.

How do I unhide files and folders in Windows?

To view hidden files, open Windows File Explorer, click on the 'View' tab on the ribbon, and check the box labeled 'Hidden items'. This will make invisible folders, like AppData, visible so you can locate hidden Word backups.

Where are Word AutoRecovery files located on a Mac?

On a Mac, AutoRecovery files are typically stored in a hidden Library folder. You can usually find them by navigating to ~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Word/Data/Library/Preferences/AutoRecovery.

Can I change where Word saves files by default?

Yes. Open Word, go to File > Options > Save. Under the 'Save documents' section, locate the 'Default local file location' field, click 'Browse', and choose your preferred folder to store future documents.

Document & File Issues