Where Are Excel AutoSave Files Stored? Quick Steps to Find
Ever wondered “Where Are Excel AutoSave Files Stored” when a sudden crash wipes out your hard work? You’re not alone. Excel’s AutoSave feature is designed to help you recover your progress automatically, but knowing exactly where these files are stored can save you a lot of time—and stress—when things go wrong. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about finding Excel AutoSave files quickly and easily, whether you’re on Windows or Mac.
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:
mathematica C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Excel\
Steps to Find AutoSave Files:
- Open File Explorer.
- Enter
%appdata%in the address bar and press Enter. - Navigate to Microsoft > Excel folder.
- 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.
Tip: 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:
Windows:
- Open Excel > File > Options.
- Click Save.
- Check the AutoSave settings and file location.
Mac:
- Open Excel > Preferences > Save.
- Adjust AutoSave settings and location if needed.
💡 Pro Tip: 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 fails or the file becomes corrupted, WinfrGUI can help recover it.
✅ Why WinfrGUI?
- Deep Recovery: Finds even lost or damaged Excel files.
- User-Friendly: No technical skills required.
- Versatile: Supports Excel, Word, photos, and more.
After a crash once wiped my working Excel sheet, WinfrGUI helped me scan the drive and restore an intact version within minutes. Highly recommend having it as a backup solution!
How to Recover Unsaved Excel Files
If you want to recover a file quickly:
Steps:
- Open Excel.
- Go to File > Open > Recent.
- Scroll down and click Recover Unsaved Workbooks.
- Browse the list and select the file you need.
Quick Tip: Files ending in .tmp or .asd are usually AutoSave versions.
Common Issues and Fixes
- Missing AutoSave Files: Make sure AutoSave is enabled and you’re connected to OneDrive or another cloud service.
- Corrupted Files: Use Open and Repair in Excel.
- Frequent Saving: Set AutoSave to update every 5 minutes or less.
- Manual Backup: Regularly back up important files to external drives or the cloud.
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.
