How to Recover an Excel File Lost After System Restore
Question details
The user needs to recover an Excel document that was either lost or remained unsaved after the computer underwent a system restore.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- The user performed a Windows system restore or experienced an unexpected system restart, resulting in a lost or unsaved Excel workbook.
- Observed behavior
- The Excel file is missing from its original local directory or the latest spreadsheet changes were not saved prior to the system restore process.
Before proceeding, check your computer's Recycle Bin to verify the file was not accidentally deleted, and ensure you are signed into the correct Microsoft account.
Use the Recover Unsaved Workbooks Feature
Check Excel's built-in recovery folder for temporary files that were automatically backed up before the system restore.
Microsoft Excel includes an AutoRecover feature that periodically saves a copy of your work. If your system restarted unexpectedly during a system restore, your unsaved draft might be waiting in the Unsaved Workbooks directory.
Open Microsoft Excel on your computer and start a new blank workbook.
Navigate to the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the ribbon menu and click on 'Open'.
Select the 'Recent' or 'Recent Workbooks' option from the left-hand navigation pane.
Scroll to the very bottom of the recent files list and click the 'Recover Unsaved Workbooks' button.
Locate your missing document in the pop-up dialog box, select it, and click 'Open'. Be sure to click 'Save As' immediately to store it in a secure local folder.
Check OneDrive for Cloud Backups
If you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription, check OneDrive where files are frequently autosaved by default.
Switch to WPS Office to Prevent Data Loss
If you frequently experience issues with lost files or unexpected Windows system restores, consider trying WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free alternative to Microsoft Office, featuring robust Auto-Backup systems to keep your spreadsheets safe.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and click 'Download WPS Office Free' to get the installer.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the setup file and follow the quick on-screen prompts to configure WPS Office on your device.
- 3. Open Your Files Seamlessly: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing Microsoft Excel files with full format compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Windows system restore delete my personal Excel files?
System restore is primarily designed to revert Windows system files, programs, and registry settings to a previous state. It generally does not delete personal files. However, if an Excel file was actively open and unsaved during the system restart, that unsaved progress will be lost.
Where are Excel AutoRecover files saved locally in Windows?
By default, Microsoft Excel saves its AutoRecover backup files in the 'C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Excel\' directory. You can manually navigate to this hidden folder using File Explorer to look for missing temporary versions.
How can I prevent losing Excel files during Windows updates?
You can pause Windows updates in your system settings to avoid sudden restarts. More importantly, turn on the AutoSave toggle in Excel (if you use OneDrive) or enable the Auto-Backup feature in alternative office suites like WPS Office to ensure your progress is constantly saved.
Can I recover an Excel file if I never saved it before the restore?
Yes, as long as Excel was open long enough for the AutoRecover interval to trigger (which is usually every 10 minutes by default), a temporary backup is created. You can retrieve it by going to File > Open > Recent Workbooks and clicking 'Recover Unsaved Workbooks'.
