'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Find and Recover Excel Personal.xlsb Macro File
Question details
The user needs to know if Windows File History backs up the Personal.xlsb file and how to find or recover it after a system reinstall or data transfer.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Recovering personal macros after reinstalling Windows or restoring files from an external backup drive.
- Observed behavior
- The Personal.xlsb file containing custom macros is missing or difficult to locate in the file system.
Ensure that you have enabled viewing hidden files and folders in Windows File Explorer, as the AppData folder where Personal.xlsb is stored is hidden by default.
Locate Personal.xlsb in the Default XLSTART Folder
Manually check the default directory where Excel stores the Personal Macro Workbook on your local drive or backup drive.
By default, Windows File History backs up libraries, desktop, contacts, and favorites. The AppData folder is usually excluded unless manually added, meaning Personal.xlsb might not be backed up automatically if you relied solely on default File History settings.
Press the Windows Key + E on your keyboard to open File Explorer.
Go to C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Excel\XLSTART. Make sure to replace [username] with your actual Windows username.
If you are using an external drive with a File History backup, navigate to the exact same relative AppData path within your backup folder to see if the file was captured.
Use Windows Search or Recreate Macros
If the file is not in the default location, perform a system-wide search or recreate a new Personal Macro Workbook.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Spreadsheet Management
Looking for a reliable spreadsheet editor with excellent format compatibility? WPS Office offers a lightweight, free alternative to Microsoft Office. It fully supports .xlsx, .xls, .xlsb, and .csv formats, providing a familiar interface so you can manage your data and macros without a steep learning curve.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup in minutes.
- 3. Open your spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing Excel files directly, with full formatting preserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I see the AppData folder when searching for Personal.xlsb?
The AppData folder is a hidden system folder in Windows. To see it, open File Explorer, click on the 'View' tab at the top, and check the box for 'Hidden items'.
How do I ensure Windows File History backs up my Excel macros?
To back up your macros, you must manually add the C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Excel\XLSTART folder to your File History backup list via Windows Settings > Update & Security > Backup > More options.
How do I create a new Personal.xlsb file if my old one is lost?
Open Excel, go to the View tab, click Macros, and select 'Record Macro'. In the 'Store macro in' dropdown menu, select 'Personal Macro Workbook'. Click OK, then immediately click Stop Recording. This will generate a fresh Personal.xlsb file in your XLSTART folder.
