5 Ways to Recover Deleted Excel Data After Saving

It can be a nightmare when you accidentally delete important data in an Excel spreadsheet, only to realize it's gone for good after saving the file. Whether it's a crucial formula, a large dataset, or just important notes, the sudden loss can disrupt your workflow significantly. Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to recover your lost Excel data. Here, we'll explore five effective ways to get your data back:

1. Use Excel’s Built-in Version History

If you're using Office 365, Excel keeps a version history of your documents. This feature can be a lifesaver if you've recently saved your file without realizing the data was deleted:

• Open your Excel file.
• Go to File > Info > Manage Workbook > Recover Unsaved Workbooks.
• In the new window, look for your file and open it.
• If your file does not appear here, try going to File > Info > Version History. Here, you can browse through different versions of your document to find one where the data still exists.

💡 Note: Ensure that the AutoRecover feature is enabled in Excel's options for this method to be effective.

2. Check Excel’s AutoRecover Files

AutoRecover is another feature of Excel designed to help recover unsaved documents in case of crashes or unsaved changes:

• Open Excel.
• Navigate to File > Info > Manage Workbook > Recover Unsaved Workbooks.
• If Excel has recovered versions of your document, they will be listed here. Open the one you need.

Remember, AutoRecover files are not a substitute for regularly saving your work. However, they can be very useful in an emergency.

3. Revert to a Previous Version from File Explorer

Windows 10 users have the ability to view and restore previous versions of files, thanks to File History or shadow copies:

• Navigate to the file location in File Explorer.
• Right-click on your Excel file, select Properties.
• Go to the Previous Versions tab. Here, you might find previous versions of your Excel file. If one exists with your data, click Open or Restore.

4. Use Third-Party Data Recovery Software

Sometimes, the built-in recovery options fail, or the data was deleted some time ago. In such cases, specialized software can come to the rescue:

• Stellar Data Recovery: Known for recovering data from various storage mediums, including Excel files.
• Recuva: This free tool can recover deleted files from hard drives, USB drives, and more.
• EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: A user-friendly tool designed for various file types, including Excel spreadsheets.

⚠️ Note: Recovery software should be used immediately after data loss to increase the chances of retrieval. Continual use of the device can overwrite the deleted data.

5. Reach Out for Professional Data Recovery

If the above methods don't work or if the data is highly sensitive or critical, professional data recovery services might be your last resort. Here's what to consider:

• These services have advanced tools and techniques to recover data from severely damaged or formatted storage devices.
• They are often expensive but can be worth it for valuable data.

When considering a service, look for:

• Reputation and reviews.
• Their success rate with Excel files.
• Certifications and experience.

Recovering deleted data from Excel files can be a daunting task, especially if the deletion was not recent. However, by understanding and utilizing these methods, you significantly improve your chances of data retrieval. Remember, the key to successful recovery often lies in how soon you act after the deletion. Whether it's using Excel's own features, employing software tools, or consulting professionals, there's usually a way to bring back your lost Excel data. Always ensure you're backing up your files regularly to minimize the risk of such data loss in the future.