​How to Recover Permanently Deleted Excel Files in Windows 10

How to recover permanently deleted Excel files in Windows 10—it’s a question many users face after a sudden mishap. Excel files are essential for organizing everything from personal budgets to business reports 📊, so losing them can be a serious headache. But here’s the good news: even if you’ve permanently deleted a file (yes, even with Shift + Delete), recovery is still possible.

Common Causes of Excel File Loss

• 🗑️ Accidental deletion (like emptying the Recycle Bin or using Shift + Delete)
• 💥 System crashes that corrupt or wipe recent work
• ⚡ Software glitches or unexpected shutdowns

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to recover permanently deleted Excel files in Windows 10 using built-in features like File History and AutoRecover, as well as powerful third-party recovery tools available in 2025. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned user, you’ll find a solution that works for you.

2025 Data Recovery Trends

According to recent industry reports, data recovery tools have seen significant improvements in 2025:​

1. Increased Success Rates:
   • Modern recovery tools now boast success rates exceeding 90% for recently deleted files.​
2. Enhanced User Interfaces:
   • User-friendly designs have made data recovery accessible to non-technical users.​
3. Broader File Type Support:
   • Support for a wider range of file types, including complex Excel files with macros and embedded objects.​

Building upon these advancements, let’s explore practical methods to recover your permanently deleted Excel files in Windows 10.

Built-in Windows 10 Recovery Methods

1. File History

File History is a backup feature in Windows 10 that automatically saves copies of your files. If enabled, you can restore previous versions of your Excel files.

✅Steps to use File History:

1. Search for “Restore your files” in the Windows search bar and select Restore your files with File History.
2. Browse through the available versions of your files.
3. Select the Excel file you want to restore and click Restore.

Note: File History must have been enabled prior to deletion.

Also Related👉 3 Ways to Recover Deleted Excel Files Not in Recycle Bin

2. Windows File Recovery Tool

Windows File Recovery is a command-line tool from Microsoft that can recover files lost from NTFS and FAT file systems.

✅Steps to use Windows File Recovery:

1. Download and install Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store.
2. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
3. Use the following command syntax: pgsql winfr source-drive: destination-drive: /n \path\to\file.xlsx
4. Follow on-screen prompts to complete the recovery process.

Tip: Select the right recovery mode based on the type of file and drive.

Leveraging Excel’s Built-in Features

1. AutoSave and AutoRecover

Excel’s AutoSave and AutoRecover features can help recover unsaved workbooks in the event of a crash or unexpected shutdown.

✅Steps to access AutoRecover files:

1. Open Excel, click the File tab.
2. Go to Info, then Manage Workbook.
3. Click Recover Unsaved Workbooks and browse through the list.

2. Temporary Files

Excel creates temporary files while you work on a document. These can sometimes be used to recover your lost data.

✅Steps to find temporary files:

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder where the Excel file was stored.
2. Look for files with the extension .tmp or filenames starting with ~.
3. Open these files in Excel to check if they contain the data you need.

Note: Temporary files are often deleted when Excel is closed properly.

Also Related👉7 Fixes to Accidentally Clicked Don’t Save Excel Issue

Utilizing Third-Party Data Recovery Software

1. WinfrGUI

WinfrGUI is a user-friendly graphical interface for the Windows File Recovery command-line tool. It simplifies the process of recovering lost files without requiring command-line knowledge.

✅Steps to use WinfrGUI:

1. Download and install WinfrGUI from the official website.
2. Open the program and select the drive where your deleted Excel file was located.
3. Set the destination drive where the recovered files will be saved.
4. Start scanning for deleted files and browse through the results.
5. Preview and select the Excel file you want to recover.
6. Click Recover to restore the file.

Note: WinfrGUI supports both NTFS and FAT file systems.

2. Stellar Data Recovery

Stellar Data Recovery is a powerful recovery tool designed for both beginners and advanced users. It supports a wide range of file types, including Excel files, and works with both internal and external drives.

✅Steps to use Stellar Data Recovery:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery from the official website.
2. Launch the program and select the drive where the Excel file was located.
3. Click Scan to begin searching for lost files.
4. Once the scan is complete, preview the found files and select the Excel file you wish to recover.
5. Click Recover and save the file to a new location.

Note: Stellar offers both a free version (limited recovery) and paid versions with more features.

3. Disk Drill

Disk Drill is a comprehensive data recovery tool known for its quick scans and high recovery success rates. It supports many file formats, including Excel files, and is available for both Windows and Mac.

✅Steps to use Disk Drill:

1. Download and install Disk Drill from the official website.
2. Open the program and select the drive where the deleted Excel file was located.
3. Click Search for lost data and wait for the program to scan your drive.
4. Once the scan is finished, preview the found files and select the Excel file for recovery.
5. Click Recover to restore the file to your desired location.

Note: Disk Drill offers a free trial with limited recovery capabilities.

Also Related👉 Is It Possible to Restore a Deleted Excel Worksheet?

5 Essential Tips

1. Act Quickly
The sooner you attempt recovery, the higher the chances of success. Avoid using the affected drive to prevent overwriting the deleted data.

2. Use Built-in Windows Tools First
Before resorting to third-party software, try using Windows’ built-in recovery tools like File History and Previous Versions.

3. Choose the Right Recovery Tool
Depending on your needs, choose a tool with the best features: WinfrGUI for simplicity, Stellar Data Recovery for deep scans, or Disk Drill for a versatile solution.

4. Regular Backups Are Key
To avoid future file loss, enable automatic backups in Windows and consider using cloud storage for real-time file protection.

5. Test Your Recovery Tools
Test the recovery tool on a less important file to ensure you’re familiar with the process and the software works properly before attempting to recover crucial files.

Conclusion

Losing an important Excel file can feel like a disaster—but as you’ve seen in “How to Recover Permanently Deleted Excel Files in Windows 10,” it doesn’t have to be the end of the road.

With the right method and a little patience, there’s a good chance you can recover your data. Just remember these key tips: act fast, explore built-in options first, pick the right tool for the job, and—most importantly—start backing up your files regularly.

Data loss happens, but being prepared makes all the difference. ✅

Also Read👉How To Undo In Excel After Save: 4 Different Ways