Did you forget to save that document?
Each method can be executed quickly, enabling you to search for multiple files easily.
Using Word’s Recover Unsaved Documents Feature
StartWord.
Go to theFiletab and selectManage Document.
ChooseRecover Unsaved Documentsfrom the drop-down list.
choose the Word document you want to recover, then selectOpen.
Save the recovered document right away.
If that doesn’t recover your missing Word file, continue attempting to find and save it.
Using Word to Find a Backup
Go to theFilemenu and selectOpen.
pop launch the location where you saved any version of the document.
Open any potential backup files you find.
Using Windows Explorer
PressWin+Eto openWindows Explorerif you are unable to locate the file.
Open any .wbk files that appear to determine which is the missing Word doc you need.
If you have anMicrosoft 365subscription, use AutoSave to save changes to documents in real time.
AutoSave is enabled whenever a file is saved toOneDriveorSharePoint.
Every few seconds, Word automatically saves any changes to the cloud.
To double-check AutoSave is enabled, look for theAutoSave toggle buttonin the upper-left corner of your Microsoft Word window.
SelectSavein the left pane of theWord Optionsbox.
Select theKeep the Last AutoRecovered Version if I Close Without Savingcheckbox as well.
SelectOKto save any changes you make in Word Options.
Recover a Document in Word Online
If you create documents usingWord Online, you’re in luck.
There’s noSavebutton because any changes you make to a document are automatically saved.
Recover a Document in Word for Mac
By default, AutoRecover is enabled in Word for Mac.
Otherwise, you’re able to look for the file in the AutoRecover folder.
In Word for Mac 2016, you will first need toshow hidden files.
After that feature is activated, it’s possible for you to search for the lost document.
OpenFinder, click theHomeicon in the left column, then openLibrary/Containers/com.microsoft.Word/Data/Library/Preferences/AutoRecovery.
Any documents saved by the AutoRecover feature will be listed here.
