How to Recover an Excel File? (Overwritten and Deleted Files)

This is an overview.

Click the image for a detailed view

Download Practice Workbook

Method 1 – Recover Excel Files with the AutoRecover Option

• Go to File > Options.
• In Excel Options, click Save.
• Set Save AutoRecover information every for specified minutes.
• Click OK.

• To recover the previously saved file, go to File > Info.
• Select Manage Workbook > Recover Unsaved Workbooks.

• The Excel file is named Recover Excel File. This name will be displayed in the window.
• Select the file and click Open.

• There are files saved at different times.
• Select the one you want to recover and click Open.
• Choose a location and save it.

Method 2 – Recover Overwritten Excel Files using OneDrive

• Go to the file location in OneDrive and right-click the file.
• Click Version history.

• A new tab will open with both the Current Version and Older Versions.
• Select an old file with a specific date.

• The file will be displayed.
• Select Restore to recover the old version.
• Download the old version.

Method 3 – Recover Deleted Excel Files from the OneDrive Bin

• Go to the Recycle bin and find your file.

• Right-click the file and select Restore.

• Your file will be recovered in its original location.

Method 4 – Recover Overwritten Excel Files using the File History

• Right-click the file and select Restore previous versions.

• In the Previous Versions window, find the files of older versions.

Method 5 –  Recover Deleted Files in the Recycle Bin

• Open the Recycle Bin.
• Right-click the file you want to recover.

• Select Restore.

Your file will be restored to the original location.

How to Repair Corrupted Excel Files?

• Open any Excel file.
• Click the File tab and go to Open.
• Click Browse to find the corrupted file.

• Select it and click the side arrow in Open.

• Select Open and Repair.

• In the dialog box asking for your permission, click Convert to Values.

• If your file is not recovered, select Extract Data instead of Repair.

How to Enable the Easy Recovery Option to Protect Data

• Click the File tab and select Options.

• In Excel Options, go to Save.
• Set the time interval for auto-recovery.
• Set the file location for the recovered file.

Click the image for a detailed view

• Click AutoSave on the left side of your Excel file, to save your data automatically.

• A new window will open asking for your permission to save the file in OneDrive.
• Select your OneDrive account to complete the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Can I Recover Unsaved Excel Files?

To find your unsaved Excel file, go to File > Info and select Recover Unsaved Workbooks. You have to activate the AutoRecover mode.

Recover Excel File: Knowledge Hub

<< Go Back to Excel Files | Learn Excel