How to Recover Deleted Excel Sheet in Windows 10
Accidentally deleted your Excel sheet? Don’t worry, recovering it is easier than you think. First, check the Recycle Bin, then try using the built-in "Restore Previous Versions" feature, and lastly, consider using file recovery software. Following these steps will help you get your data back in no time.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Recover Deleted Excel Sheet in Windows 10
In this section, I’ll walk you through each step to recover your deleted Excel sheet. Follow these steps carefully, and you should have your lost data back soon.
Step 1: Check the Recycle Bin
First things first, look in the Recycle Bin.
Open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking its icon on your desktop. If you find your Excel sheet there, right-click on it and choose "Restore." This will put it back in its original location.
Step 2: Use "Restore Previous Versions"
If the Recycle Bin didn’t have your file, use Windows’ "Restore Previous Versions" feature.
Right-click on the folder where the Excel sheet was originally saved. Click on "Restore previous versions." A list of available versions will appear. Choose a version from a date before the file was deleted, and click "Restore."
Step 3: Check OneDrive or Other Cloud Services
If you use OneDrive or another cloud service, check if your file was automatically backed up.
Go to your OneDrive (or other cloud service) folder and look for your Excel sheet there. If you find it, simply download it to your device.
Step 4: Use File Recovery Software
If all else fails, consider using file recovery software like Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery.
Download and install the software. Run a scan on the hard drive where the Excel sheet was last saved. The software will list recoverable files. Find your Excel sheet and follow the prompts to restore it.
Step 5: Contact IT Support
If you’re still unable to recover your file, and you’re in a work or school environment, contact your IT support team.
IT support teams often have more advanced tools and backups. They may be able to recover your file even if the above methods didn’t work.
After you complete these steps, you should have your Excel sheet back. Keep in mind that the time it takes to recover your file may vary depending on the method used and the size of the file.
Tips for Recovering Deleted Excel Sheet in Windows 10
- Act Quickly: The sooner you try to recover your file, the better your chances.
- Regular Backups: Regularly back up your files to avoid data loss in the future.
- Use Cloud Storage: Services like OneDrive and Google Drive can automatically back up your files.
- File Recovery Tools: Familiarize yourself with recovery tools before you need them.
- Check AutoSave and AutoRecover: Excel has built-in features that may save recent versions of your file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover a permanently deleted Excel file?
Yes, you can use file recovery software to scan your hard drive and recover permanently deleted files.
Is it possible to recover an unsaved Excel file?
Yes, Excel has an AutoRecover feature that may save your work if the program crashes or you forget to save.
How long do files stay in the Recycle Bin?
Files stay in the Recycle Bin until you empty it, or until it reaches its storage limit.
Do I need a professional to recover my file?
Not necessarily. Follow the steps outlined here first. If they don’t work, then consider professional help.
Can file recovery software always find my deleted Excel file?
No, file recovery software isn’t foolproof, especially if the file has been overwritten by new data.
Summary
- Check the Recycle Bin.
- Use "Restore Previous Versions."
- Check OneDrive or other cloud services.
- Use file recovery software.
- Contact IT support.
Conclusion
Losing an Excel sheet can be a nightmare, but with these steps, you should be able to recover it. Always start with the easiest methods like checking the Recycle Bin and using "Restore Previous Versions" before moving on to more complex solutions like file recovery software.
Remember, the key to avoiding data loss in the future is regular backups and using reliable cloud storage services. If this article helped you recover your file, consider sharing it with others who might find it useful. Keep these steps in mind, and your important Excel data will always be just a few clicks away. Happy recovering!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.