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How to Recover Missing Excel Files After an Office or macOS Update
Question details
The user needs to locate and recover Excel workbooks that can no longer be found in their original locations after updating the operating system or the Office application.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Installing system updates for macOS or application updates for Microsoft Office.
- Observed behavior
- Previously saved Excel files appear to be missing, deleted, or inaccessible immediately after the update process is completed.
Ensure you are signed into the correct user profile on your Mac and verify that your cloud storage accounts (such as OneDrive or iCloud) are fully signed in and actively syncing.
Check the Recent Files List and AutoRecover Folder
Updates often reset application preferences but do not delete files. Your workbooks might still be accessible through Excel's built-in recovery and history features.
Microsoft Office keeps a log of your recently opened files and automatically saves temporary backups of your active workbooks. Checking these locations is the fastest way to recover files that seem to have disappeared after an update.
Launch Microsoft Excel, click on the 'File' menu at the top, and select 'Open Recent'. Browse the list to see if your missing workbooks are available.
If the files are not in the recent list, open Finder on your Mac. Press Command + Shift + G to open the 'Go to Folder' dialog, and type '~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Excel/Data/Library/Preferences/AutoRecovery'. Look for your missing files here.
Verify Cloud Storage Sync and Inspect the Trash
macOS or Office updates can occasionally pause cloud synchronization or temporarily sign you out of your Microsoft account, moving files out of local view.
Use Spotlight Search to Locate Misplaced Files
If the update changed folder structures or moved items unexpectedly, a system-wide search will help you locate the Excel files by their extensions.
Try WPS Office for a Stable, Hassle-Free Spreadsheet Experience
Tired of dealing with missing files after Microsoft Office updates? Switch to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, highly stable, and free alternative to MS Office that ensures your data remains secure and easily accessible across all your devices without unexpected update glitches.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install and Open: Run the installer, launch WPS Office, and open your existing Excel (.xlsx) files instantly without formatting issues.
- 3. Enable Cloud Sync: Sign in to enable WPS Cloud, ensuring your spreadsheets are automatically backed up and protected from future system updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do macOS updates automatically delete my personal files?
No, macOS updates are specifically designed to preserve all user data and personal files. If files appear missing, they are usually just moved, hidden by display settings, or temporarily unsynced from your cloud storage rather than permanently deleted.
Where are Excel AutoRecover files saved on a Mac?
By default, Excel AutoRecover files on Mac are stored securely in a hidden Library folder. You can find them by navigating to ~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Excel/Data/Library/Preferences/AutoRecovery using Finder's 'Go to Folder' feature.
Why is my Excel Recent Files list completely empty after an update?
Updating Microsoft Office or macOS can sometimes sign you out of your Microsoft account or reset the application's preference cache, which clears the Recent Files view. Signing back into your Microsoft account usually restores your file history instantly.
