Losing an Excel sheet can feel like a mini-disaster, especially if it contained critical data or took hours to compile. While Excel does have its own auto-recover feature, what happens when even that fails? Here's your guide to getting that lost Excel data back using several fail-safe methods. Let's delve into each of these methods:
1. Use File History (Windows 10)
Windows 10’s File History feature allows you to recover previous versions of your files. Here’s how to use it:
- Open File Explorer, navigate to where your Excel file was located.
- Right-click on the file, select “Properties”.
- Go to the “Previous Versions” tab.
- If a previous version is available, click “Restore”.
⏳ Note: Ensure File History is enabled and configured on your system before a file is deleted. It typically backs up your files every hour by default.
2. Excel’s AutoRecover Function
If you had Excel’s AutoRecover feature enabled, there’s a good chance your work can still be recovered:
- Open Excel.
- Go to “File” > “Info” > “Manage Workbook” > “Recover Unsaved Workbooks”.
- Check the list for the document you lost.
- Open the file and save it immediately.
🛠️ Note: AutoRecover is a lifesaver, but it’s not foolproof. Ensure you save your work regularly, or set AutoSave to occur more frequently.
3. Temporary Files Rescue
Excel creates temporary files while you’re working. Here’s how to find these:
- Open the “Run” dialog (Windows + R), type ‘%temp%’, and hit Enter.
- Look for files with the extension .tmp or .xls* (like .xlsx or .xlsm).
- Open these files with Excel to see if they contain your lost data.
💾 Note: Temporary files are often overwritten or deleted. Act fast if you want to recover your data this way.
4. Data Recovery Software
Third-party data recovery software can sometimes retrieve data from deleted files. Here’s what you should do:
- Choose reliable software like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Recuva, or Disk Drill.
- Scan the drive where your Excel file was saved.
- Filter the results to show only Excel file formats.
- Preview, select, and recover your file.
🔍 Note: Data recovery software effectiveness depends on how recently the file was deleted and the disk usage since deletion.
5. Cloud Backup Services
If you use cloud services like OneDrive or Google Drive, recovering your Excel sheets can be straightforward:
- Go to your cloud storage service and navigate to the deleted or lost file.
- Check for a “Recycle Bin” or “Trash” section.
- If the file is there, restore it to its original or new location.
- If not, some services offer a “File History” or “Version History” feature, allowing you to go back in time and recover earlier versions.
☁️ Note: Make sure your cloud backup is set to automatic or schedule regular backups to ensure your Excel files are recoverable.
In the end, having a backup and recovery strategy in place before you lose your files is the best way to prevent data loss. Whether it's through Windows' built-in File History, Excel’s own recovery tools, temporary files, third-party software, or cloud backup services, you now have multiple options to get your Excel sheets back. Understand that while these methods can be highly effective, their success rate often depends on immediate action, the state of your storage device, and the frequency of backups. Practice good file management habits, enable AutoRecover, and regularly save your work. These preventive measures ensure your data isn't just in one place, decreasing the risk of permanent loss and providing you with multiple recovery avenues should something go awry.
How frequently should I back up my Excel files?
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Regular backups are essential. Depending on how frequently you update or add data, consider setting up automatic backups daily or at least weekly.
Can I recover a deleted Excel file that was on a USB drive?
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Yes, you can use data recovery software like Recuva or Disk Drill to scan and potentially recover deleted files from a USB drive.
Is File History available in versions of Windows other than Windows 10?
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No, File History is a feature exclusive to Windows 8 and later versions, including Windows 10.
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