How to Recover a File Discarded by Office Upload Center
Question details
The user needs to retrieve an Office document that was discarded after failing to transfer successfully via the Office Upload Center.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- A file failed to sync through the Office Upload Center and was discarded, requiring recovery from system backups or AutoRecover directories.
- Observed behavior
- The file is missing from its original local or cloud location, and the Upload Center no longer retains the active cache of the document.
Before attempting recovery, ensure you do not clear your system's temporary files or run any PC cleaning software, as this may permanently delete cached document backups.
Recover from the Office AutoRecover Folder
Check Microsoft Office's built-in AutoRecover directory to locate and restore the most recent automatic save of your discarded file.
Office applications periodically save temporary versions of your working documents. If the Upload Center discarded your file due to a sync error, the AutoRecover folder is the most likely place to find a recent, intact copy.
Launch the Office application (Word, Excel, or PowerPoint) you were using. Click on the 'File' tab in the top left corner, then select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.
In the Options window, click on 'Save' in the left pane. Look for the 'AutoRecover file location' field and copy the folder path provided.
Open Windows File Explorer, paste the copied path into the address bar, and press Enter. Look for folders bearing the name of your discarded document.
Open the folder and look for a file with an .asd extension. Double-click it to open it in your Office application, then immediately use 'Save As' to save it to a safe local directory.
Search Hidden Windows AppData Temporary Folders
If AutoRecover fails, check the hidden Windows AppData folder where Office keeps cache and temporary files.
Check the OneDrive Cloud Recycle Bin
If the file was initially connected to OneDrive before the upload failed, a previous version or deleted copy may reside in the cloud recycle bin.
Use WPS Office for Reliable Cloud Syncing
If you frequently encounter sync errors and discarded files with the Office Upload Center, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides robust built-in cloud backup, seamless synchronization, and an interface you are already familiar with—completely free.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your device.
- 2. Enable Cloud Sync: Sign in to your free WPS account and turn on WPS Cloud to automatically sync and protect your documents without complicated upload centers.
- 3. Open Your Files Seamlessly: Open your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents directly in WPS Office with zero formatting loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Office Upload Center discard my file?
A file is typically discarded if a severe sync conflict occurs, the server connection is lost permanently, or if the document cache was manually cleared while there were still pending uploads.
Where are Office Upload Center cached files normally stored?
Cached files are usually stored in the hidden AppData directory, specifically under C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\[Version]\OfficeFileCache. Accessing this requires enabling hidden folders in Windows.
How can I prevent files from being discarded in the future?
To prevent data loss, always manually save a local copy of your file to your hard drive before closing the application, maintain multiple backups, and ensure your internet connection is stable before relying on cloud synchronization.
