Have you ever been in the middle of working on an Excel document when suddenly your computer crashes or you accidentally close the program without saving? It’s a heart-stopping moment, but don’t panic just yet! Excel has an autosave feature that could have your back. Here’s how to find those lifesaving autosaved files in a few quick steps.
Step by Step Tutorial on Where to Find Autosaved Excel Files
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re trying to accomplish. We’re going to locate the Excel autosave feature and use it to recover any unsaved work you may have lost. This can save you time and prevent the loss of important data.
Step 1: Open Excel
Open the Excel application where you were working on the file.
When you open Excel after an unexpected shutdown, it usually shows a Document Recovery pane on the left side with a list of autosaved files. If you see your file there, simply click on it to open and save it immediately.
Step 2: Check the Autosave Location
If the Document Recovery pane doesn’t show up, check the Autosave location manually.
In Excel, go to ‘File’ > ‘Options’ > ‘Save’. Look for the ‘AutoRecover file location’ and note down the path shown there. This is where Excel saves copies of your workbooks automatically.
Step 3: Navigate to the Autosave Folder
Use the file path you noted from the previous step to navigate to the Autosave folder in your computer’s File Explorer.
Once you’re in the Autosave folder, look for files with a .xlsx or .xls extension. These files are often named with the words "AutoRecovery save of" followed by the original file name.
Step 4: Open and Save the Autosaved File
Open the autosaved file that matches your original document and make sure to save it immediately.
If you successfully find and open the autosaved file, remember to save it under a new name to avoid overwriting any other versions of the document you might want to keep.
After completing these steps, you should have recovered your lost work, thanks to the Excel autosave feature. It’s a relatively simple process that could save you from the frustration of losing important data.
Tips on Where to Find Autosaved Excel Files
- Always check the Document Recovery pane first when you restart Excel after an unexpected shutdown.
- Regularly check your Autosave settings in Excel to ensure the feature is enabled.
- Be aware of the default Autosave interval in Excel, which is usually 10 minutes. Consider reducing the interval if you’re working on important documents.
- Remember that Autosave is not a substitute for regularly saving your work manually. It’s a safety net, not a primary saving method.
- If you can’t find an autosaved file, try searching for ".asd" files on your computer, which are the AutoRecovery files Excel creates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the default location for Excel autosaved files?
The default location for Excel autosaved files is typically the "AppDataRoamingMicrosoftExcel" folder on your PC.
Can I change the frequency of Excel’s autosave feature?
Yes, you can change how often Excel autosaves your files by going to ‘File’ > ‘Options’ > ‘Save’ and adjusting the ‘Save AutoRecover information’ time.
Does Excel autosave work if I close the program without saving?
Excel’s autosave feature can help recover files if you close the program without saving, but it’s not a guarantee. It’s always best to save your work manually as well.
Can I recover an Excel file that was never saved at all?
If you never saved the Excel file at all, it may be more challenging to recover. However, if Autosave was enabled, there might still be a temporary version in the Autosave folder.
How can I make sure my Excel files are always backed up?
To ensure your Excel files are always backed up, save your work frequently, enable the Autosave feature, and consider using additional backup solutions like cloud storage or external drives.
Summary
- Open Excel.
- Check the Autosave Location.
- Navigate to the Autosave Folder.
- Open and Save the Autosaved File.
Conclusion
Losing an Excel file due to a crash or accidental closure can be a nightmare, especially if you’ve poured hours into it. That’s why knowing where to find autosaved Excel files is a skill that can save you time, effort, and a whole lot of stress. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can quickly recover your work and get back on track. Remember, while the autosave feature is a handy tool, nothing beats the good old habit of frequently hitting ‘Save.’ So, make sure you’re saving your work often, adjusting your autosave settings to suit your needs, and exploring additional backup options for extra security. Happy spreadsheeting!
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.