The Best Way to Recover Excel File Not Saved (Step-By-Step)

The how to recover unsaved excel file after clicking don’t save is a problem that many users have been experiencing. This step-by-step guide will show you how to recover the unsaved excel file.

Are you searching for a method to restore Excel files that haven’t been saved?

It occurs to individuals on a regular basis.

Perhaps there was a system failure or you just forgot to save and closed the window without saving. Or maybe the power went out and you wasted hours of unsaved work.

This is when regrets kick in, reminding you that backing up your data early and frequently is always a smart idea. Things may fall apart so fast that you don’t have a chance to catch your breath.

The good news is that Excel includes a feature called AutoRecover /Recover Unsaved WorkBooks that is a lifesaver.

As you operate with Excel, these capabilities are used to store backup copies of your spreadsheet at regular intervals.

If you have a problem with an unsaved Excel file on the line for whatever reason, you may recover the last backup even if you never save the file.

The key is that Excel saves your data every 10 minutes while you’re working. As a consequence, the AutoRecover backup won’t include all of the data you input before to the issue. You’ll lose 10 minutes of work or less.

If any of the aforementioned issues arise and there were unsaved Excel files, you may simply recover any unsaved workbook or the most recent AutoRecover backup of these files.

The instructions below will teach you how to restore unsaved Excel files.

Option 1: Make use of AutoRecover.

If the file you wish to restore has already been saved, you may use the AutoSave version to recover it.

If you accidentally quit a workbook that has previously been saved without saving recent modifications, or even a fresh workbook that has never been saved, an AutoSave version of that file is maintained until your next editing session.

The next time you start Excel after it has been accidentally closed, it examines the backup folder and, if a backup is found, it adds a link to the Excel welcome page called Show Recovered Files.

When you click the link, a Document Recovery panel will appear on the left side of the Excel window.

Take a look at this example:

You may save or access an AutoRecover backup in this Document Recovery window, just like any other Excel file.

To recover a file from the list, just click on it or on the arrow next to it to save or open it.

Take a look at this example:

Option 2: Recover WorkBooks That Haven’t Been Saved

This method is used to restore Excel files that were never saved in the first place (i.e. it is still called Book1 or something like that).

To restore unsaved Excel workbooks, follow the instructions below.

Excel is now open. The Excel welcome page is shown.

At the bottom of the left side, choose Open Other Workbooks.

Click Recover Unsaved Workbooks in the middle panel, towards the bottom of the recent file list.

Excel now displays all of the unsaved workbooks in a folder named UnsavedFiles.

Choose Open after selecting a file. If you opened the incorrect file, return to the folder and scroll down to the list.
After you’ve found the appropriate file, save the workbook by clicking the Save As button.

Unsaved workbooks are kept for up to four days before being removed automatically. As a result, if you haven’t saved a workbook in at least 5 days, consider it lost permanently.

If you have a file that is not saved and you are using Windows 10, the recover unsaved excel file windows 10 will help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I permanently recover an Excel File?

To recover a file from the recycle bin, you can either select Recover Deleted Files from the File menu in Excel or use the Advanced Recycle Bin Recovery feature.

What do I do if Excel isnt responding and I havent saved?

If Excel isnt responding, then you should try restarting your computer. If that doesnt work, then you should try closing the program and reopening it.