How to recover a deleted file in excel​?

Check the Recycle Bin

Steps: Double – click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop. Look for the deleted Excel file. Right – click the file and select “Restore”. The file will be restored to its original location.

Notes: This method is only applicable if the file has been moved to the Recycle Bin and the Recycle Bin has not been emptied. If the file is not in the Recycle Bin or the Recycle Bin has been emptied, you can try the following methods.

Restore the Last Saved Version (Auto – Save)

Steps: Open Excel and click the “File” menu. Select “Info” and then click “Version History” (if you are using a cloud service to store files). Browse through the historical versions and select the one you want to restore.

Notes: If you are using a local Excel file and have not saved it to the cloud, this method may not work. However, if the file is stored in the cloud, using the version history feature can greatly increase the possibility of recovering the file.

Use Excel’s “Temporary Files”

Steps: Open File Explorer and go to the following directory: For Windows 10. the default directory is C:\Users(username)\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\UnsavedFiles. If it is a custom path, check the folder where Excel saves files. Search for files ending with “.tmp” or “.xlk” and try to open them. If you find a temporary file, right – click it and select “Save As”, then save it as an “.xlsx” file.

Notes: The files found may be temporary versions or drafts of the file. This method is useful when the file is accidentally deleted or the program crashes.

Use Excel’s “Recover Unsaved Workbooks” Feature

Steps: Open Excel and click “File”. Select “Info”, find “Manage Workbook” on the right – hand side, and then choose “Recover Unsaved Workbooks”. Browse and select the most recent unsaved file to restore.

Notes: This function is mainly applicable to the recovery of files after Excel crashes or shuts down abnormally.

Use Data Recovery Software

Steps: Download and install data recovery software, such as Panda Assistant. Select to scan for deleted files and specify the target location to be scanned (such as the Recycle Bin or the hard disk where the folder is located). After the scan is complete, preview and recover the lost Excel file.

Notes: When using data recovery software, try to avoid writing new data to the disk where the lost file is located, as this may overwrite the deleted file and reduce the probability of successful recovery.

Use Backup Files

Steps: If you are using Windows backup, open the Control Panel and select “System and Security”. Click “File History”. If you are using a third – party backup tool, open the corresponding tool. Search for and recover the lost file. If you are using a cloud service, log in to your cloud service account and check if there is a backup of the file.

Notes: Regularly backing up files is the best way to prevent file loss. If you have a backup, the recovery process will be much easier.