How to Recover Deleted Excel Sheet in Windows 10
Oh no! Did you accidentally delete an important Excel sheet on your Windows 10 computer? Don’t worry; you can recover it. In just a few easy steps, we’ll guide you through checking the Recycle Bin, using File History, and employing Excel’s AutoRecover feature to bring back your lost data.
Step-by-Step Tutorial for Recovering Deleted Excel Sheet in Windows 10
In this section, we will walk you through the steps to recover a deleted Excel sheet on a Windows 10 computer. Follow each step carefully to maximize your chances of successful recovery.
Step 1: Check the Recycle Bin
Look for your deleted Excel file in the Recycle Bin.
The Recycle Bin is like a safety net for deleted files. Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop. If you find your Excel sheet, right-click on it and select "Restore." This will return the file to its original location.
Step 2: Use File History
Restore a previous version of the file using File History.
File History is a built-in Windows 10 feature that regularly backs up your files. Open the folder where your Excel file was originally saved. Right-click inside the folder and select "Restore previous versions." Browse through the available versions and choose the one you need, then click "Restore."
Step 3: Utilize Excel’s AutoRecover Feature
Open Excel and use the AutoRecover feature to find the unsaved file.
Sometimes Excel itself can save the day. Open Excel and go to "File" > "Open" > "Recent." Scroll down to the bottom and click on "Recover Unsaved Workbooks." If your sheet is there, save it immediately.
Step 4: Employ System Restore
Use System Restore to revert your computer’s state to a previous point in time.
If other methods don’t work, consider using System Restore. Type “Create a restore point” in the search bar and select it. Click on "System Restore" and follow the prompts to revert your system to a point before the file was deleted. Note, this could affect other files and settings.
Step 5: Try Data Recovery Software
Use data recovery software to retrieve deleted files.
When all else fails, data recovery software like Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard can be a lifesaver. Download and install one of these programs. Follow their instructions to scan your computer for deleted files and recover your Excel sheet.
After following these steps, you should be able to recover your deleted Excel sheet. If one method doesn’t work, don’t give up. Sometimes combining multiple methods can yield better results.
Tips for Recovering Deleted Excel Sheet in Windows 10
- Regularly back up your files using cloud services or external hard drives to avoid future data loss.
- Enable File History on your Windows 10 machine to automatically back up your files.
- Save your work frequently, especially before closing Excel, to make use of AutoRecover.
- Keep your Recycle Bin clean, but always double-check before emptying it.
- Consider using a professional data recovery service for critical files you can’t afford to lose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover an Excel sheet if I permanently deleted it?
Yes, you can use data recovery software to retrieve permanently deleted files.
How does File History work?
File History automatically backs up files in selected folders at regular intervals, allowing you to restore previous versions.
What if System Restore affects my other files?
It’s a trade-off; System Restore reverts your computer to a previous state, which may affect other settings and files.
Is there a way to prevent this in the future?
Yes, regular backups and enabling File History can help you avoid losing important files.
How reliable are data recovery programs?
Most data recovery programs are quite reliable, but results can vary depending on how long ago the file was deleted and if new data has overwritten it.
Summary of Steps
- Check the Recycle Bin
- Use File History
- Utilize Excel’s AutoRecover Feature
- Employ System Restore
- Try Data Recovery Software
Conclusion
Losing an important Excel sheet can be incredibly frustrating, but hopefully, this guide has made the recovery process a bit less daunting. By following the steps outlined above, you have multiple avenues to explore in bringing back your lost data. Whether it’s a quick check in the Recycle Bin or diving into data recovery software, there’s always a solution waiting.
Remember, regular backups are your best friend when it comes to data protection. Enable features like File History and AutoRecover to give yourself an extra layer of security. And if you find yourself in a bind again, you now know precisely what to do to recover that deleted Excel sheet in Windows 10.
Feel free to bookmark this guide or share it with friends and colleagues who might find it useful. Happy data recovering!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.