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How To Recover An Unsaved Word Document?

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through various techniques for recovering unsaved Word documents and provide frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you troubleshoot any issues along the way. By understanding these recovery methods, you’ll be better equipped to prevent data loss and restore your important files.
1. Using AutoSave and Auto Recovery in Word 1-888-624-5560
Microsoft Word has built-in features designed to automatically save your work at regular intervals. These features, AutoSave and AutoRecovery, are particularly useful when a document is lost due to unexpected shutdowns or crashes.
AutoSave
AutoSave automatically saves your document while you're working, but it’s only available with OneDrive or SharePoint and for Office 365 users.
AutoRecovery
AutoRecovery is a feature that saves a temporary copy of your document every 10 minutes (by default). It works even if you’re not using OneDrive. Here’s how to access AutoRecovery files:

  • Open Microsoft Word: Launch Word and open the File tab.
  • Click on "Manage Document": Scroll down to find the Recover Unsaved Documents option.
  • Locate the Document: Word will display a list of unsaved documents that were auto-saved.
  • Select and Open the Document: Choose the document you want to recover, and then save it immediately.
    2. Manually Searching for AutoRecovered Files
    If Word crashes and you cannot find the AutoRecovery option, you can manually search for AutoRecovery files on your computer.
  • Open File Explorer: Navigate to C:\Users[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Word.
  • Look for AutoRecovered Files: In the folder, look for files with names like AutoRecovery save of [Document Name].
  • Open and Save the File: If found, open the file and save it with a new name to avoid overwriting.
    3. Using Temporary Files
    Word stores temporary files during editing, and these can be helpful for recovering unsaved documents. Here’s how to search for temporary files:
  • Open File Explorer: Go to the folder where your document was last saved or edited.
  • Search for .tmp Files: Type *.tmp in the search bar. This will show all temporary files on your system.
  • Look for Relevant Files: Find the file that corresponds to your unsaved Word document and open it.
    4. Recovering from OneDrive or Cloud Services
    If you’ve stored your document in OneDrive, Dropbox, or another cloud service, there may be automatic backups available. Here’s how to recover from OneDrive:
  • Visit OneDrive Website: Go to the OneDrive website.
  • Sign In: Log in with your Microsoft account.
  • Check Version History: Right-click on the document (if it was uploaded to OneDrive) and select Version History to view and restore previous versions of the document.
    5. Recovering Unsaved Word Documents from Backup
    If you use third-party backup software (e.g., Time Machine on macOS or File History on Windows), you can recover documents from your backup.
    For Windows (File History):
  1. Search for the Document: Open File Explorer and find the folder where the document was saved.
  2. Restore from File History: Right-click on the folder and select Restore previous versions. You can restore the most recent version of the document from the backup.
    For macOS (Time Machine):
  • Open Finder: Navigate to the folder where your document was located.
  • Launch Time Machine: Open Time Machine from the Applications folder.
  • Restore the Document: Browse through the backups and restore the file to its original location.
    6. Checking the Recycle Bin
    If you accidentally deleted the document, check the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (macOS) for recovery:
  • Open Recycle Bin or Trash: Go to the Recycle Bin on Windows or Trash on macOS.
  • Search for the Document: Look for the deleted Word file.
  • Restore the File: Right-click on the file and select Restore to recover it.
    7. Using Word’s Document Recovery Feature After a Crash
    If Word crashes unexpectedly, it will often prompt you with the Document Recovery pane when you reopen the program. This pane displays a list of unsaved documents. Here’s what to do:
  • Open Word After the Crash: When you restart Word, the Document Recovery pane will appear on the left.
  • Choose the File to Recover: Select the unsaved document you wish to recover.
  • Save the Document: Once opened, immediately save the document to avoid losing it again.
    8. Recovering Unsaved Word Documents via File Recovery Software
    If all else fails, file recovery software such as Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard can help you recover deleted or unsaved documents. These tools scan your hard drive for deleted files and attempt to restore them.
    FAQs About Recovering Unsaved Word Documents
    How do I enable AutoSave in Word?
    AutoSave can be enabled through OneDrive or SharePoint. If using Office 365, ensure the document is saved to the cloud to activate AutoSave.
    Where are AutoRecovered files stored in Word?
    AutoRecovered files are typically stored in the folder: C:\Users[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Word.
    How often does Word auto-save my document?
    Word automatically saves your document every 10 minutes by default.
    What should I do if Word crashes and I can't find my document?
    Open Word again and check the Document Recovery pane or look for AutoRecovery files in the designated folder.
    Can I recover a Word document from OneDrive?
    Yes, if you’re using OneDrive, you can access version history and restore a previous version of your document.
    Is it possible to recover a Word document after deleting it?
    Yes, check the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (macOS) for deleted files and restore them.
    Can Word documents be recovered if the computer shuts down unexpectedly?
    Yes, Word automatically saves a temporary copy of the document through AutoRecovery. You can recover it after restarting Word.
    How do I recover an unsaved document in Word 2016 or 2019?
    Go to File > Manage Document > Recover Unsaved Documents to retrieve unsaved files.
    Does AutoRecovery work if I didn’t save my document manually?
    Yes, AutoRecovery can retrieve documents that were never manually saved, as long as the feature was enabled.
    Can I recover an unsaved Word document from the cloud?
    Yes, if the document was saved to a cloud service like OneDrive or Google Drive, you can restore previous versions.
    What if the AutoRecovery option didn’t work?
    You can search for temporary files or use third-party data recovery software to retrieve your unsaved document.
    Can I prevent data loss in Word?
    To minimize data loss, enable AutoSave, regularly save your work, and back up important files to cloud storage or external drives.
    How can I change the AutoSave interval in Word?
    Word’s default AutoSave interval is 10 minutes, but you can change this by going to File > Options > Save.
    Can Word recover files from a corrupted document?
    If your document is corrupted, Word may still be able to recover parts of it using the Open and Repair function.
    What is the difference between AutoSave and AutoRecovery?
    AutoSave works for cloud-based documents, while AutoRecovery is for documents stored locally and periodically saves a backup every few minutes.
    How do I recover an unsaved document in Office 365?
    If you're using Office 365, AutoSave is enabled by default when the document is saved to OneDrive. Check the Document Recovery pane for unsaved files.
    Can I recover Word documents from a backup drive?
    Yes, if you’ve set up a backup system like Time Machine (Mac) or File History (Windows), you can restore Word documents from there.
    Why does my document recovery not show my unsaved document?
    If you don’t see the unsaved document in the Document Recovery pane, try searching your computer for temporary files or AutoRecovery files.
    What happens if I don’t recover an unsaved document quickly?
    Unsaved documents may be permanently lost if Word closes without recovery, so act quickly when you first notice the issue.
    Can I recover Word documents without software?
    In most cases, you can recover unsaved documents through AutoSave, AutoRecovery, or cloud services without the need for third-party software.
    Losing an unsaved Word document doesn’t have to mean the end of your work. By utilizing Word’s built-in features like AutoSave and AutoRecovery, or exploring file recovery methods such as checking the Recycle Bin or using recovery software, you can often restore lost files. If you work regularly on important documents, consider enabling cloud storage to protect against future data loss. With these methods, you’ll be able to recover your unsaved documents and prevent future accidents.