How to Recover Unsaved/Deleted Word Files | Easy Data Recovery 2025

Losing an important Word document can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it happens unexpectedly due to accidental deletion, a system crash, or another technical glitch. But don’t worry—there are several ways to get your file back. In this article, we’ll explore simple, effective methods to recover both unsaved and deleted Word documents, ensuring you can retrieve your important work quickly and easily.

Recover Unsaved Word Documents

If you accidentally closed Word without saving, or if your computer crashed before you could hit “Save,” try these methods to recover your document:

1. Use Word’s AutoRecover Feature

Microsoft Word has a built-in AutoRecover feature that automatically saves temporary copies of your document. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Open Microsoft Word on your computer and click File > Info.

2. Select Manage Document > Recover Unsaved Documents.

(ads)

4. A list of unsaved Word documents will appear, each with an .ASD extension.

5. Choose the file you want to recover and open it.

6. Click Save As to permanently store your document.

2. Check the Recent Documents List

Another easy way to recover an unsaved document is by checking the Recent Documents tab in Word.

1. Open Microsoft Word.

2. Go to the File menu and select Recent.

3. If your missing file is listed, click to open it.

Recover Deleted Word Files

If you accidentally deleted your Word document, don’t panic—there are still ways to recover it.

1. Check the Recycle Bin

• Open the Recycle Bin on your desktop.

• Look for your deleted Word file.

• If you find it, right-click the file and select Restore.

• The file will be returned to its original location. (ads)

2. Recover from OneDrive

If your PC is linked to a Microsoft account, your files may have been automatically backed up to OneDrive.

• Open File Explorer and click on OneDrive in the sidebar.

• Search for your missing file.

• If it’s not there, log in to OneDrive via a web browser.

• Click the Recycle Bin within OneDrive to see if your document is stored there.

If you find it, restore it to its original location.

3. Use a File Recovery Tool

If your file is not in the Recycle Bin or OneDrive, a file recovery tool might help. One of the most reliable options is Recoverit by Wondershare.

How to Use Recoverit:

• Download and install Recoverit from its official website.

• Open the software and click Start Now.

• Select the drive or folder where your file was located before deletion.

• Run a Quick Scan (if needed, run a Deep Scan for better results).

• Preview the recovered files and select the ones you need.

(ads)

• Click Recover, then save your file to a safe location.

Read Also: Recover Deleted Data on Android and iPhone Easily

Other Ways to Recover Word Documents

If none of the above methods worked, here are a few additional ways to recover your lost files:

1. Restore Previous Versions

Windows keeps previous versions of files, which may help recover your document.

1. Right-click on the folder where your file was last saved.
2. Select Restore previous versions.
3. Choose the most recent version of your document and click Restore.

2. Search for Temporary Files

Your lost document may still exist as a temporary file. (ads)

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Type *.tmp in the search bar.
3. Look for files that match the date and time when your document was lost.
4. Try opening them in Word and save if successful.

3. Use Windows File History

If you have Windows File History enabled, you can restore older versions of your document.

1. Type File History in the Windows search bar.
2. Click Restore your files with File History.
3. Browse for your missing document and click Restore.

How to Prevent Data Loss in the Future

To avoid losing important files in the future, consider these best practices:

• Enable AutoSave: Turn on AutoSave in Word to save your progress automatically.

• Use Cloud Storage: Save important documents to OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
• Back Up Regularly: Use an external hard drive or backup software to keep copies of important files.
• Enable Windows File History: Activate this feature to retrieve lost or overwritten files easily.
• Install a File Recovery Tool: Having a tool like Recoverit installed can be a lifesaver in emergencies.

Conclusion

Losing a Word document can be frustrating, but with the right recovery methods, you can get your file back. Whether you use built-in Word features, check OneDrive, or try a file recovery tool, there’s a good chance of restoring your lost document.

By following the preventative measures outlined in this article, you can reduce the risk of losing important files in the future. If this guide helped you, be sure to save it for reference and share it with others who might need it!