How to Recover Previous Version of Excel File

If you have accidentally deleted or lost important data from your Excel file, don’t panic. Microsoft Excel offers a remarkable feature in which it saves the previous versions of your work automatically. This means that you can recover data from an earlier version of your Excel file without having to recreate the entire document from scratch. In this blog post, we will guide you through the simple steps that you can follow to recover the previous version of your Excel file, so that you can get back to work in no time.

Introduction

As we all know, Microsoft Excel has become an indispensable tool for businesses and individuals alike. However, a frequent problem that Excel users often face is losing vital data due to accidental deletion or an unexpected power outage. This is where the ability to recover previous versions of Excel files comes in handy. In this blog post, you’ll learn how to recover a previous version of Excel file using built-in Excel features, and using third-party software.

Method 1: Recovering Previous Versions using Excel AutoSave Feature

Step 1: Open Excel and Navigate to the File Location

The first step in recovering your Excel file is to locate the location of the file. Open Microsoft Excel and navigate to ‘Recent’ or ‘Open Other Workbooks’ under ‘File’ menu. This will show a list of your most recently opened Excel files.

Step 2: Select ‘Recover Unsaved Workbooks’

If your Excel file was not saved before it was closed, click on ‘Recover Unsaved Workbooks’. This will open a list of recently unsaved Excel files.

Step 3: Select the Previous Version File

Navigate to the ‘Previous Versions’ folder and search for the most recent version of the Excel file that you need to recover. Double-click on the file to open it, then click ‘Save As’ to save the recovered file to a new location on your computer.

Method 2: Recovering Previous Versions from File History

Step 1: Right-click on the Excel file you want to recover

Right-click on the Excel file, and select ‘Properties’. This will open a ‘Properties’ dialog box.

Step 2: Select the ‘Previous Versions’ Tab

In the ‘Properties’ dialog box, select the ‘Previous Versions’ tab, which is located at the top of the box.

Step 3: Select the Previous Version File

A list of available previous versions will appear in this section. Scroll through the list and select the version you wish to recover. Click ‘Restore’ to begin the recovery process, and save the recovered file to a new location on your computer.

Method 3: Recovering Previous Versions using Third-Party Software

Step 1: Install Third-Party Software

Third-party software such as ‘EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard’ or ‘Recuva’ can be used to recover lost or deleted Excel files. Install your preferred third-party software and open it.

Step 2: Select the Drive Where the Excel File Was Saved

Select the drive in which the lost or deleted Excel file was originally saved, and begin the recovery process. The software will scan the drive for deleted files and present you with a list of recoverable files.

Step 3: Select the File to Recover and Save it to a New Location

Select the Excel file you want to recover from the list, ensure that it is previewed correctly, then click the ‘Recover’ button to restore the file to a new location on your computer.

Conclusion

Recovering a previous version of your Excel file is a straightforward process that can save you a lot of time and effort, and prevent data loss. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can recover lost or deleted Excel files like a pro. Get started on recovering your previous version of Excel file now!

Preventing Data Loss: Best Practices

While knowing how to recover previous version of Excel file may seem like the end-all solution, it’s important to take proactive measures to prevent data loss. Here are some best practices to help you avoid losing Excel files:

Always Save Your Work

It may seem obvious, but you should make a habit of saving your work frequently, especially if you’re working on a long project. You can also enable the “AutoSave” feature in Excel to save your files automatically.

Backup Your Files Regularly

Another effective measure to prevent data loss is backing up your Excel files regularly. You can store the backup files on an external hard drive, cloud storage, or an alternative location on your computer. This way, you can recover from a backup if your original file is lost or damaged.

Use the “File Protection” Feature

You can protect your Excel file from accidental deletion or modification by using the “File Protection” feature. This feature requires you to enter a password before you can delete or modify the protected file.

Check Your Recycle Bin or Deleted Items Folder

If you accidentally delete an Excel file, it might still be recoverable from your Recycle Bin or Deleted Items folder. Always check these folders before assuming that your file is lost for good.

Conclusion

Recovering a previous version of your Excel file might seem daunting, but it’s a straightforward process that can save you a lot of time and effort. We hope that this guide has been helpful in guiding you through the steps required to recover Excel files using built-in Excel features or third-party software. Additionally, remember to take preventative measures such as saving your work frequently, backing up your files regularly, and using file protection features to avoid data loss. By following these best practices, you can work on your Excel files with confidence, knowing that you have a reliable plan in place for recovering your files.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about recovering previous versions of Excel files:

Can I Recover an Excel File That Was Closed Without Saving?

Yes, you can recover an Excel file that was closed without saving by using Excel’s ‘Recover Unsaved Workbooks’ feature. This feature will display the list of unsaved workbooks that Excel has saved for you, so you can recover the latest version of your file.

What if I have Overwritten the Previous Version of My Excel File?

If you have overwritten the previous version of your Excel file, it is still possible to recover it by using a third-party recovery tool. Some recovery tools can recover overwritten files by scanning the hard drive for previous versions of the file.

Is it Possible to Recover an Excel File that Was Never Saved?

If you have not saved your Excel file at all, there may not be a previous version of the file to recover from. However, you can try using a third-party Excel repair tool, which can recover corrupted or damaged Excel files.

Can I Use Excel Online to Recover Previous Versions of My Excel File?

Unfortunately, Excel Online does not have a built-in feature to recover previous versions of your Excel file. You may need to access the desktop version of Excel, or use a third-party recovery tool to recover previous versions of your Excel file.

What Can I Do if I Cannot Find the Previous Version of My Excel File?

If you cannot find the previous version of your Excel file using the built-in Excel features or a third-party recovery tool, it may be lost for good. To avoid losing important data, make sure to save your work frequently and back up your files regularly.