How to recover files from Excel not saved is a common concern for many users who have accidentally lost their important data. Whether it’s due to a sudden system crash, a power outage, or simply forgetting to save the document, the loss of unsaved Excel files can be frustrating. In this article, we will explore various methods to help you recover your lost Excel files and get back to work without any delay.
Firstly, it’s important to note that the sooner you take action to recover your unsaved Excel files, the higher the chances of successful recovery. Here are some steps you can follow to retrieve your lost data:
1. Check the Recycle Bin or Trash: One of the simplest ways to recover an unsaved Excel file is to check the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac). If the file was deleted but not permanently removed, it may still be in these folders.
2. Use the “Undo” feature: If you recently worked on the Excel file and didn’t save it, you might be able to recover it using the “Undo” feature. Press Ctrl+Z (Windows) or Command+Z (Mac) to undo the last action and bring back the unsaved file.
3. Open Excel and use the “Recover Unsaved Workbooks” option: When you open Excel, you may see a prompt asking if you want to recover unsaved workbooks. Click “Yes” to open the “Unsaved Files” dialog box, where you can find and restore your lost files.
4. Check for temporary files: Excel often creates temporary files while you work on a document. These files can sometimes be recovered. To find them, search for the Excel file extension (.xlsx or .xls) in the following locations:
– Windows: C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Excel
– Mac: ~/Library/Caches/Microsoft/Office 2016/Excel
5. Use file recovery software: If the above methods don’t work, you can try using file recovery software like Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or Disk Drill. These tools can scan your hard drive for deleted files and help you recover your unsaved Excel files.
6. Restore from a backup: If you have a backup system in place, you can restore your Excel file from the backup. This method requires that you have regularly backed up your files.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure. To avoid losing unsaved Excel files in the future, follow these best practices:
– Save your work frequently: Use the “Save” button or press Ctrl+S (Windows) or Command+S (Mac) to save your work regularly.
– Use cloud storage: Store your Excel files on cloud platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, which automatically save your files as you work.
– Enable AutoSave: Excel has an AutoSave feature that saves your work at regular intervals. Enable this feature in the Excel Options to ensure that your work is always backed up.
By following these steps and best practices, you can recover your unsaved Excel files and minimize the risk of future data loss.
