Where Are Excel AutoSave Files Stored? Quick Steps to Find

Ever found yourself asking, “Where are Excel AutoSave files stored?”—especially after a crash or accidental closure? You’re definitely not alone. Whether it’s hours of financial data or a last-minute project, losing an unsaved Excel file is incredibly frustrating. Thankfully, Excel’s AutoSave and AutoRecover features are built to catch these mishaps before they turn into disasters. But here’s the thing: knowing where those backup files are actually saved can make all the difference when it comes to getting your work back fast. In this quick guide, I’ll show you exactly where Excel stores AutoSave files on both Windows and Mac, how to access them, and what to do if you still can’t find your document. We’ll also go over how to tweak your settings so Excel keeps backups more often—giving you peace of mind next time something goes wrong. Let’s dive in and get your lost Excel file back.

What Is Excel AutoSave?

Before we get into where are Excel autosave files stored, let’s quickly clarify what AutoSave does.
Unlike AutoRecover (which saves recovery information periodically), AutoSave automatically saves your work as you type — ideal for preventing data loss.

✅ Key Difference:

• AutoSave works in real-time, especially with cloud services like OneDrive or SharePoint.
• AutoRecover saves offline copies periodically but doesn’t save continuously.

If you’re working offline or haven’t set up AutoSave properly, knowing where the backups are becomes critical.

Where Are Excel AutoSave Files Stored on Windows?

When AutoSave is enabled, Excel typically saves files either in the cloud or a temporary local folder. If you need to locate them:

Default Local Location:

C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Excel\

Steps to Find AutoSave Files:

Step 1: Open File Explorer.

Step 2: Enter %appdata% in the address bar and press Enter.

Step 3: Navigate to Microsoft > Excel folder.

Step 4: Look for recent temporary or unsaved files.

Also check your OneDrive folder if you saved files to the cloud.

Where Are Excel AutoSave Files Stored on Mac?

Mac users can find AutoSaved Excel files here:

Default Location:

swift /Users/[YourName]/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office/Excel/


Steps to Access:

• Open Finder.
• Click Go > Go to Folder from the menu.
• Enter ~/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office/Excel/
• Look for unsaved Excel files.

Enable Time Machine for automatic backups — it can restore lost versions if AutoSave fails.Time Machine backups, which can automatically restore AutoRecover files if you accidentally delete or overwrite them.

How to Change or Check Your AutoSave Settings

If you want to customize or double-check where your AutoSave files go:

For Windows:

• Open Excel > File > Options.
• Click Save.
• Check the AutoSave settings and file location.

For Mac:

• Open Excel > Preferences > Save.
• Adjust AutoSave settings and location if needed.

Saving every few minutes ensures you don’t lose critical work.ularly useful for users with multiple drives or those who prefer to store files in a specific backup folder.

When AutoSave Doesn’t Work: Try WinfrGUI

If Excel’s AutoSave doesn’t kick in or the file is missing or corrupted after a crash, don’t worry—WinfrGUI is a powerful recovery tool that can help you get it back quickly.

✅ Why WinfrGUI?

• Deep File Recovery – Scans your drive to locate even deleted or corrupted Excel files.
• Beginner-Friendly – No command-line or tech skills needed—just click and recover.
• Versatile – Works for Excel, Word documents, photos, and more.

After my Excel workbook disappeared due to a sudden crash, I used WinfrGUI to scan my drive. Within minutes, it found a recoverable version of the file—fully intact. Total lifesaver. Whether you’re dealing with accidental deletion, formatting issues, or a system glitch, having WinfrGUI as a backup recovery option gives you peace of mind. It’s free, effective, and super easy to use.

How to Recover Unsaved Excel Files Quickly

If you want to recover a file quickly:

Step 1: Open Microsoft Excel from your desktop or Start menu—any blank workbook is fine.

Step 2: Click on File in the top-left corner, then select Open.

Step 3: In the Open panel, you’ll see a list of recent files. Scroll all the way down and click Recover Unsaved Workbooks at the bottom.

Step 4: A new window will pop up showing a list of unsaved Excel files (with an .asd or .tmp extension). Browse through them and select the one that looks right.

Step 5: Click Open, then go to File > Save As to save it properly and avoid losing it again.

Quick Tip: Files ending in .tmp or .asd are usually AutoSave versions.

Common Issues and Fixes

1. Missing AutoSave Files: Make sure AutoSave is enabled and you’re connected to OneDrive or another cloud service.

2. Corrupted Files: Use Open and Repair in Excel.

3. Frequent Saving: Set AutoSave to update every 5 minutes or less.

4. Manual Backup: Regularly back up important files to external drives or the cloud.

5. Unsaved Local Files: If you’re not using the cloud, Excel stores recovery files locally. Check: C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\UnsavedFiles

6. AutoSave Grayed Out: This usually means you’re working on a local file. Try saving it to OneDrive to enable full AutoSave functionality.

Conclusion

Understanding Where Are Excel AutoSave Files Stored is essential for anyone who relies on Excel for important tasks. Whether it’s a system crash, accidental closure, or power outage, being able to quickly locate your AutoSave files can mean the difference between lost hours and a full recovery. With the simple steps we covered, you’ll always be prepared to retrieve your unsaved Excel work when you need it most.

🔗 Also Read: ​Where To Find Autosave Excel Files: Top Methods