Efficient Methods to Retrieve Recently Closed Excel Files- A Step-by-Step Guide

How to recover recently closed excel file

Accidentally closing an Excel file can be a frustrating experience, especially when you realize that you haven’t saved the changes you’ve made. But don’t worry; there are several methods you can use to recover a recently closed Excel file. In this article, we will explore some of the most effective ways to restore your lost work.

1. Use the “Recent Files” feature

One of the simplest ways to recover a recently closed Excel file is by using the “Recent Files” feature in Excel. This feature lists the files you’ve recently opened, including those that were closed without saving. To access this feature, follow these steps:

1. Open Excel.
2. Click on the “File” tab in the top-left corner of the screen.
3. Select “Open” from the dropdown menu.
4. Scroll through the list of recent files and click on the file you want to recover.
5. Click “Open” to restore the file.

2. Use the “Undo” command

Another quick way to recover a recently closed Excel file is by using the “Undo” command. This command is designed to undo the last action you performed in Excel, which could be closing a file. To use the “Undo” command, follow these steps:

1. Open Excel.
2. Press “Ctrl + Z” (Windows) or “Cmd + Z” (Mac) to undo the last action.
3. Repeat the “Undo” command until the file you want to recover is restored.

3. Check the Recycle Bin

If you’ve closed an Excel file and deleted it from your computer, you might still be able to recover it from the Recycle Bin. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Recycle Bin by clicking on its icon on the desktop or by searching for it in the Start menu (Windows) or Spotlight (Mac).
2. Locate the Excel file you want to recover.
3. Right-click on the file and select “Restore” (Windows) or drag the file out of the Recycle Bin (Mac).

4. Use a file recovery tool

If the above methods don’t work, you can try using a file recovery tool. These tools are designed to scan your computer for deleted files and recover them. Some popular file recovery tools include:

• Recuva
• EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
• Stellar Data Recovery

Follow the instructions provided by the chosen tool to scan your computer and recover the lost Excel file.

In conclusion, there are several ways to recover a recently closed Excel file. By using the “Recent Files” feature, the “Undo” command, the Recycle Bin, or a file recovery tool, you can restore your lost work and continue your work without any interruptions.