Recover Deleted Excel File: Get Lost Data Back Fast
Your Excel file disappeared. It’s not in the Recycle Bin. Don’t panic. You can still recover deleted Excel files. There are multiple ways to retrieve lost data. This guide shows you how to recover deleted Excel file using built-in tools and recovery software.
Method 1: Check File History
Windows keeps automatic backups. This feature is called File History. If enabled, it creates copies of your files regularly.
To access previous versions:
- Open File Explorer
- Navigate to the folder where your file was saved
- Right-click the folder
- Select “Restore previous versions”
A window appears showing earlier folder versions. Each version has a date. Look for one before you deleted the file.
Click on the version. Click “Open”. Browse for your file. If found, you can:
- Restore the entire folder
- Copy just your file to a new location
- Preview files first to confirm they’re correct
This method is fast and requires no extra software.
Method 2: Recover Unsaved Workbooks
Excel saves temporary files while you work. Sometimes these backups survive even after deletion.
To find unsaved workbooks:
- Open Excel
- Click “File” menu
- Click “Info”
- Look for “Manage Workbook” section
- Click “Recover Unsaved Workbooks”
A folder opens showing temporary files. Look for files with:
- Names similar to your deleted file
- Recent modification dates
- Your data inside
When you find it, open the file immediately. Then save it to a safe location. Use File > Save As to preserve it.
Method 3: Use Data Recovery Software
When you delete a file, Windows just marks the space as available. The actual data remains. Data recovery software can find and restore it.
Recommended recovery software:
- Recuva (free, simple)
- EaseUS Data Recovery (free & paid versions)
- MiniTool Power Data Recovery
- R-Studio
Steps to recover:
- Download recovery software (from a trusted source)
- Install it on your computer
- Run a scan on the drive where your file was located
- Wait for the scan to complete
- Filter results by file type (.xlsx or .xls)
- Preview files to find the right one
- Select your file and click “Recover”
- Save to a different drive (not the original location)
Important: Save recovered files to a different drive. This prevents overwriting the data you’re trying to retrieve.
Method 4: Check Cloud Storage
Did you save your file to OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive?
Cloud services usually keep deleted files temporarily.
- Log into your cloud account online
- Find the “Trash” or “Deleted Items” folder
- Look for your Excel file
- Click “Restore”
This works even if you emptied your computer’s Recycle Bin. Cloud services protect your data separately.
Method 5: System Restore (Advanced)
Windows can revert to earlier system settings. If a restore point existed before you deleted your file, this might work.
Warning: System Restore also undoes recent changes. Use only if other methods fail.
To access System Restore:
- Press Windows + S
- Type “System Restore”
- Click “Create a restore point”
- Click “System Restore”
- Choose a date before you deleted the file
- Follow the prompts
This is a drastic measure. Try other methods first.
Quick Tips for Success
- Act fast. The sooner you search, the better your chances.
- Don’t download or install large files. This can overwrite deleted data.
- Use a different drive to save recovered files.
- Try multiple methods if the first one fails.
- Back up all important files going forward.
Prevent Future Loss
Prevention is better than recovery:
- Use cloud backup (OneDrive, Google Drive)
- Enable File History on Windows
- Create manual backups regularly
- Use versioning features in Excel
- Keep recent copies on USB drives
A lost Excel file is recoverable. By acting quickly and using these methods, you can recover deleted Excel file successfully. Stay calm and follow these steps.
