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Why Excel AutoRecover Does Not Update File Timestamps
Question details
The user wants to know why a local Excel workbook's timestamp in Windows Explorer does not update automatically every five minutes, despite having AutoRecover configured to that interval.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel 2021
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Monitoring file save status and recovery backups for a local workbook.
- Observed behavior
- Windows Explorer does not show a new timestamp for the original file unless the user manually saves the workbook.
Verify whether your Excel workbook is stored on your local drive or in a cloud location like OneDrive, as this determines how the auto-saving mechanism behaves.
Understand AutoRecover vs. Original File Updates
Clarify how AutoRecover creates separate temporary files instead of overwriting your original workbook.
AutoRecover is designed to save temporary recovery data in case of an unexpected crash or power loss. It does not overwrite your original local workbook.
Because the original file is not being modified during the AutoRecover process, Windows Explorer will not update the file's 'Date modified' timestamp until you manually click Save.
Click on 'File' in the top left corner of the Excel window, then select 'Options' at the bottom left.
Click on 'Save' in the left-hand menu of the Excel Options dialog box.
Look for the 'AutoRecover file location' field. This displays the AppData\Roaming folder where your temporary backups are actually being stored and updated.
Enable Continuous AutoSave with OneDrive
Use Microsoft OneDrive or SharePoint to enable true AutoSave, which continuously updates the file and its version history.
Experience Reliable File Protection with WPS Office
If you are frustrated by Microsoft Excel's AutoSave limitations on local files, try WPS Office. It offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with easy-to-manage local backup settings to keep your data secure without forcing cloud storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are my Excel AutoRecover files saved locally?
By default, AutoRecover files are saved in the C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Excel\ folder. You can verify your exact path by navigating to File > Options > Save in Excel.
Does AutoRecover save if I haven't made any changes?
No. Excel typically only creates or updates an AutoRecover file if there have been modifications made to the workbook since the last time you saved it.
Can I force Excel to auto-save local files every 5 minutes without OneDrive?
Excel's built-in 'AutoSave' toggle only works with cloud storage like OneDrive or SharePoint. To save local files at regular intervals, you must either manually click Save or use a third-party VBA macro.
