how to recover the unsaved powerpoint presentation

Recover your PowerPoint files

AutoRecover is a PowerPoint feature that attempts to recover files automatically in the event of a crash, power failure, or other unexpected application shutdown. It does this by periodically saving a copy of the file in the background. By default, AutoRecover saves a recovery file every 10 minutes. 

Important:  Do not use AutoRecover as a substitute for regularly saving your files by using AutoSave (see below) or by clicking Save . Saving your files frequently is the best way to preserve your work.

AutoRecover is different than AutoSave, which automatically saves your file as you work - just like when you save files manually. The AutoSave feature is available for Microsoft 365 subscribers. When AutoSave is turned on, AutoRecover files are rarely needed. 

For more information see: What is AutoSave ? 

Microsoft 365

Autorecover files automatically reopen on next app start.

Normally, PowerPoint will automatically recover your work the next time you open the application following an unexpected shutdown. It does this by detecting if an AutoRecover file exists and automatically opening it. If you want to keep the recovered file, you should immediately save it before editing or closing. 

To manually open an AutoRecover file: 

Click the File button in the ribbon and then click the Home tab in the menu.

Click the Recover Unsaved Presentations button at the bottom of the screen to navigate to the folder where AutoRecover files are stored.

Change how frequently AutoRecover files are saved

In the PowerPoint ribbon, click File and then click the Home tab in the menu.

In the menu, click Options > Save .

Under the Save Presentations heading, modify the Save AutoRecover information every x minutes box.

Change the location where AutoRecover files are saved

Under the Save Presentations heading, modify the AutoRecover File Location box.

Note:  If you change the default AutoRecover file path, there are certain cases in which AutoRecover files will not be automatically deleted when no longer needed. 

Access the AutoRecover folder

You can navigate directly to the AutoRecover folder using Windows File Explorer. The location of the AutoRecover folder can be found in the Options dialog, in the Save tab. By default, the AutoRecover folder is located at:

Replace  <username> with your user name. 

Office 2021 and earlier versions 

Document recovery pane .

After an unexpected shutdown, the Document Recovery pane automatically opens to help you get your files back. Document Recovery lists any files you had open that were recovered from the most recent time you saved them, the most recent time they were AutoSaved (if your file is on OneDrive or SharePoint and you are a Microsoft 365 subscriber), or the most recent time they were Auto Recovered.   

To see the entire Document Recovery pane, hover over the right edge of the pane until you see an arrow pointing left and right. Then click the arrow and drag it to the right to widen the Document Recovery pane. 

Replace  <username> with your username. 

You can navigate directly to the AutoRecover folder using the Finder. The location of the AutoRecover folder can be found in the Options dialog, in the Save tab. By default, the AutoRecover folder is located at:

Replace  < username > with your user name.  The AutoRecovery folder is a hidden folder, so you may not see it if you try to navigate to it in the Finder. Use the Go To Folder tool and enter the full path there. 

Restore your OneDrive files

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How to Recover an Unsaved PowerPoint

Get that PowerPoint presentation back

• Western Governors University

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• AutoRecover
• Alternate Method
• Recover Deleted Presentation
• Enable AutoSave
• Frequently Asked Questions

What to Know

• File > Open > Recover Unsaved Presentations .
• Or: File > Info > Manage Presentations > Recover Unsaved Presentations .
• Check your Recycle Bin and automatic backup folders for deleted presentations, or use recovery software.

This article explains how to recover an unsaved PowerPoint. These instructions apply to PowerPoint 2019, 2016, 2013, and Microsoft 365 .

How Do I Recover a PowerPoint That Was Not Saved?

There are a few ways to recover an unsaved PowerPoint. If one method doesn't work, you should try the other options outlined below.

PowerPoint has a feature called AutoRecover which periodically stores data from your presentations. In newer versions of PowerPoint, you can access AutoRecover files from within PowerPoint:

Go to the File tab.

Select Open .

Select Recover Unsaved Presentations at the bottom of the list of recent files.

Select your presentation to open it. If you don't see it, move on to the next section to try a different method.

Alternate Way to Recover an Unsaved PowerPoint

Depending on your version of PowerPoint, the steps for recovering unsaved presentations might be different:

Select Info .

Select Manage Presentations > Recover Unsaved Presentations .

Select your presentation to open it.

If you don't see the Recover Unsaved Presentations option in PowerPoint, you might find your presentation in the following folder on Windows:

On Mac, you can find AutoRecover data in this folder:

Copy and paste the above file path in the File Explorer or Finder address bar; then press Enter to open the folder. Replace User with your Windows or Mac username.

If you still don't see your file, try looking in the following folder on Windows:

Alternatively, press Windows key + R to bring up the Run command and enter %temp% in the Run prompt to open the Temp folder. To find your presentation, search for ppt files.

How Do I Get My Deleted PowerPoint Presentation Back?

If you previously saved a presentation and it got deleted, there are a few things you can try to recover your PowerPoint.

First, check your Windows Recycle Bin or Mac Trash folder. Depending on how long ago a user deleted it, you may be able to restore files from the Recycle Bin or recover files from the Trash on Mac . If successful, the file should return to its original folder.

If you use automatic backup software , check your backup folders. You can also restore your file using recovery software like Recuva or Disk Drill .

Enable PowerPoint AutoSave

PowerPoint includes an AutoSave feature that backs up your work every few seconds. Select the AutoSave toggle switch in the upper-left corner of your presentation to turn it On , or go to go to File > Options > Save and check the AutoSave box.

To recover an unsaved Word document , go to File > Manage Documents > Recover Unsaved Documents . If you see the document listed, select it. Or, search for a backup of the file by going to File > Open > Browse . You can also use Windows Explorer to search for recovered or temporary files.

To recover an unsaved Excel file , if you have AutoSave enabled, view the Document Recovery interface when you launch Excel. In the section called Available Files , you'll see all your autosaved workbooks and document files. To recover a file, select the arrow next to the file details and choose Open .

To recover a deleted or unsaved Notepad file, go to your Windows 10 search function, type %AppData% , and press Enter . The Roaming folder will open. Search for files that end in .txt to find your unsaved Notepad file.

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How to Recover a Deleted or Unsaved PowerPoint File

After hours of piecing together the perfect presentation, disaster happens the next morning as you go present it: It’s gone. No matter how frantically you search File Explorer, your precious PowePoint presentation is gone. Microsoft, though, has your back. As long as you haven’t disabled autorecovery, the file should still be on your machine -- or in the cloud, if you’re an Office365 user. It’s not foolproof, but you can often recover these accidentally deleted files.

Next time, however, you might want to save a redundant copy to the cloud, just in case.

1. Open a blank Microsoft PowerPoint document and click the File tab .

2. Click the Options link at the bottom.

3. Choose the Save option from the left .

4.Once you find the section with a path showing where your autosaved documents go, select and copy it . In my case, it’s here: C:\Users\Bryan\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\PowerPoint\

5. Open File Explorer and paste in the copied file path . Hit enter .

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6. Here, we’ll see the last save of the document I was working on, which starts with the name “MYPRESENTATION.” Click it to open the file .

7. Right click the Microsoft PowerPoint file, and select Open with .

8. Choose PowerPoint, and click Ok .

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How to Recover Unsaved PowerPoint Presentations

Always happens five minutes before the meeting

It’s not uncommon to lose hours of work in PowerPoint because of an unexpected system crash, shutdown, or power failure. Microsoft knows that, which is why the program comes with AutoRecover. It’s a feature that helps you retrieve unsaved PowerPoint presentations.

This tutorial will teach you how to use Microsoft PowerPoint’s AutoRecover feature in Windows and macOS, including other tips to recover lost or deleted PowerPoint presentations.

Recover Unsaved PowerPoint Presentations on Windows

Whenever you work on a presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows 10 and 11 , the program’s built-in AutoRecover functionality makes periodic backups to a temporary file once every 10 minutes.

If you forgot to save a Microsoft PowerPoint document because of an unexpected issue, you can get it back. There’s no guarantee it may contain the most recent changes, though.

By default, AutoRecover opens the unsaved presentation when you relaunch PowerPoint after a system or application crash. If you see a Recovered Unsaved File banner, select the Save button inside to save it permanently.

In Microsoft Office 2021 and earlier versions of PowerPoint, a Document Recovery pane should show up to the left of the PowerPoint window, letting you pick the file you want to recover.

If that does not happen, you can view the AutoRecover folder with the following steps:

• Open PowerPoint and select Open on the Start Screen.
• Select the Recover Unsaved Presentations button.

• On the File Explorer pop-up, open the folder related to the PPT file you want to restore.
• Select the file and choose Open .

• Review the presentation and save it to your PC’s hard drive.

If the Recover Unsaved Presentations option is not visible or PowerPoint repeatedly crashes before you can do anything, visit the program’s AutoRecover file location and retrieve the presentation via File Explorer.

• Open File Explorer.
• Copy and paste the following into the address bar, replacing <username> with your Windows user name. Then, press Enter :

C:\Users \<username>\ AppData\Roaming \ Microsoft \PowerPoint

• Copy the unsaved PPT file you want to recover to another directory, then double-click to open it in PowerPoint.

To increase the frequency with which AutoRecover backs up your PowerPoint presentations and improve the chances of retrieving the most recent unsaved changes, you must:

• Select the File tab and choose Options (or More > Options ).

• Select the Save category on the PowerPoint Options sidebar.
• Modify the box next to Save AutoRecover information every x minutes .

For example, enter a value of 1 if you want the PowerPoint recovery tool to back up unsaved changes every minute.

Recover Unsaved PowerPoint Files on macOS

Like on Windows, AutoRecover is available on Microsoft PowerPoint for macOS. If you’re working on a PowerPoint presentation on a Mac and experience a sudden crash or shutdown, you should be able to use it to recover the unsaved changes and prevent data loss.

Just re-open PowerPoint. AutoRecover should automatically re-open the presentation you were last working on, allowing you to save the changes permanently.

Suppose that doesn’t happen. Just:

• Open the Home button and choose Open .
• Select Recover Unsaved Presentations .
• Double-click the PPTX file you want to recover.

If the Recover Unsaved Presentations button is not visible, manually visit PowerPoint’s AutoRecover temp folder and retrieve the presentation via Finder.

• Open Finder and select Go > Go to Folder on the menu bar.

• Copy the following path and press Return :

~/Library/Containers/com. Microsoft.Powerpoint /Data/Library/Preferences/ AutoRecovery

• Copy the file you want to recover to a different location.

Manually recovered AutoRecover backups for the Mac do not have a specified file type, so you must go through the following steps to view them in PowerPoint.

• Right-click the auto-recovered PPTX file and select Open with > Other .

• Select All Applications on the drop-down menu next to Enable .
• Select Microsoft PowerPoint within the list of applications and choose Open .

By default, AutoRecover saves your presentations every 10 minutes. If you want to increase the chances of recovering the most recent changes:

• Open PowerPoint and select PowerPoint > Preferences on the menu bar.

• Select Save .

• Modify the box next to Save AutoRecover information every x minutes and enter a new value—e.g., 1 to make AutoRecover back up your presentation every minute.

Other Methods to Recover PowerPoint Files:

Unsaved PowerPoint presentations aside, you might have to deal with misplaced or deleted PowerPoint files every now and then. When that happens, here are several ways you can try to get them back.

Check PowerPoint’s Recents List

If you can’t remember the location of a PPTX file, just check PowerPoint’s Recent list on the Start Screen. If the presentation is listed there, select to open it.

Use Windows Search or Spotlight

Your PC or Mac keeps an index of whatever’s in its internal storage. If you can remember the file name of a lost presentation (or even part of it), try searching for it through Windows Search or Spotlight Search .

Check the Recycle Bin or Trash

Windows and macOS store deleted items for 30 days, so check the Recycle Bin or Trash if you can’t find a presentation. If the PPTX file is inside, you can restore it to its original location.

Use File History or Time Machine

You should be able to recover a lost PowerPoint file if your PC or Mac is set to back up to an external hard drive. Learn how to retrieve deleted files or previous versions using File History or Time Machine .

Use a File Recovery Tool

If all else fails, use data recovery software to retrieve deleted PowerPoint files. Check our list of top file recovery programs for the PC and Mac .

Don’t Forget to Save or AutoSave Your Presentations

Losing an unsaved PowerPoint presentation can be a frustrating experience, but with AutoRecover, you can recover your work and stop having to start over from scratch.

Regardless, it’s best not to leave things to chance, so remember to always save your work frequently. If you prefer storing your presentations on OneDrive, use the AutoSave feature in Microsoft Office to avoid lost data.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn't hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube. Read Dilum's Full Bio

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Have you lost your PPT file due to a system crash or deletion and aren’t sure how to retrieve it? Don’t worry, this is the place for you. Data loss scenarios are quite common, and several methods are available to help recover your PPT file back. Follow our instructions for quick and easy methods to restore your deleted files.

What is the PowerPoint File Type (PPT, PPTX)

PPT stands for the Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation binary format, and it is the main file extension that saves PowerPoint presentations. The software is widely used to design presentations for educational and business purposes. All slides, videos, texts, images, etc., are stored within the PPT file.

Introduced in 1987 with the release of PowerPoint, the PPT extension used to be the primary file type to save your presentations for versions 2003 and older.

How to Recover Deleted PowerPoint (PPT, PPTX) Files

There are many possible fixes to assist you in restoring your lost PPTX files. Go through the table below for an overview of available recovery methods:

While these solutions can be convenient, it is also important to keep certain practices in mind while working on your PPTX file. A few tips and tricks that can be helpful in data-loss situations are:

• 💾 Keep more than one backup of your PPTX file. In case of an unexpected file loss, having backups would ensure a smooth recovery process.
• ❌ If your device crashes or you want to retrieve your file, avoid writing new data to that drive. It can lead to complications while restoring the desired file.
• ⏩ Start the data recovery process as soon as you can. The longer you wait to attempt getting the file back, the restoration chances would become more uncertain.
• 💯 Try the most sure-shot method of file recovery first. It would increase the possibility of successful recovery and might prevent permanent file damage.

Being mindful of these pointers can help avoid severe data loss and make the recovery process quite efficient.

How to Recover PowerPoint (PPT, PPTX) Files with Software

Although various data recovery methods are available to help you restore your PPTX files, third-party software is perhaps the most effective. Instead of relying on temporary folders, these solutions can permanently retrieve your files. While it may seem challenging at first, most file recovery software like Disk Drill is relatively user-friendly.

Steps to recover your PPT, PPTX files with Disk Drill:

• While it is faster than most recovery software, Disk Drill will take some time to scan your device for lost data. You can choose your recovery method — Quick Scan or Deep Scan . ⏯️ You can also pause and resume scans halfway to glance through the files found.

Recover PPT, PPTX Files from Windows Recycle Bin and Mac Trash

If you wish to retrieve your deleted PPT, PPTX files, there’s a simple solution to help you get them back. You can use the Windows Recycle Bin or Mac Trash to restore your files to their original location.

Both these folders in your system temporarily store your deleted files. This makes it easy to recover your data without much effort.

Recovering PPT, PPTX files from the Windows Recycle Bin

• Once you’ve opened the folder, find and select the PPT or PPTX file you wish to recover.

Recovering PPT, PPTX files from Mac Trash

Restore from a Recent Files Folder

While the Windows Recycle Bin and the Mac Trash folders offer effortless data recovery, they can only recover deleted files — whether accidental or voluntary. However, you don’t necessarily need to download software to retrieve your data. There are other solutions within your system that can help you restore your lost PPT, PPTX files.

Let’s go through both the options one by one:

Recovering Files Using Windows File History

• Make sure you have turned on the File History option. If not, select an internal or external drive to which you want to backup your information, and turn it on.

• Go through available backups and locate the PPT or PPTX file you want to recover.

Recovering Files Using Mac Time Machine

• Navigate through the folders to locate your PPT or PPTX file from available backups.

Having backups of your data is a valuable practice that always comes in handy in the long run. The techniques mentioned above can assist you with the convenient recovery of your PPT, PPTX files only if you’ve saved them. It may seem like a limitation in comparison with the data recovery efficiency of software. However, there is a bonus feature on PowerPoint that can help recover your lost files.

Recover PPT, PPTX Files using Windows File Recovery

Windows File Recovery is Microsoft’s command-line recovery utility and is available for free download from the Microsoft Store. Since it doesn’t have a graphical user interface, users must enter the corresponding command prompt to recover lost files. This utility supports various file systems and types and is a helpful tool for data recovery. 

Here’s how you can recover PPT, PPTX files with Windows File Recovery:

• Download Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store and Install it on your PC.
• Launch Windows File Recovery and click the Run as administrator option.
• Once the Command Prompt window opens, enter the command in the following format: winfr source-drive: destination-drive: [/mode] [/switches]
• You need to specify a mode in the format mentioned above, according to what’s suitable for your file system. You can use two basic modes to recover files – Regular and Extensive .
• You can also mention any specific file extensions according to the files you wish to retrieve. For instance, enter a similar command to retrieve PPT, PPTX files: winfr C: E: /extensive /n *.ppt /n *.pptx
• Note that the source and destination drives must be different. After you’ve entered, Microsoft automatically creates a recovery folder on the destination drive.

Recover PPT, PPTX Files from your Temporary Files Folder

Another method that you can use to retrieve your unsaved PPT, PPTX files is through the temporary files folder. Windows has this temporary folder dedicated to saving files from various applications. Here’s the path to the temporary files folder: C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local\Temp

There are other ways to access this folder as well. Follow these steps to recover your lost or unsaved PPT, PPTX files from the temporary files folder:

• Once you run the command, the folder window will open in File Explorer. To narrow down your search options, you can filter through the results by using the following extensions – *.pptx, *.ppt, ppt*.tmp . 

Recover PPT, PPTX File from a Local Backup

An easier way to retrieve your PPT, PPTX files is to look for them in a local backup. However, turning to this method will only be feasible if you’ve created backups of your files either on hard drives, or on the cloud. In this article, we shall look at the steps to recover PPT, PPTX files from a local backup:

• Connect your backup drive to your computer.
• Open it using File Explorer.
• Look through the data to find your PPT presentation.
• Copy it to your computer and access the backed up version. 

Recovering PPT, PPTX Files with PowerPoint Features

Did your presentation disappear? PowerPoint provides features that can help recover your unsaved or deleted files. All versions from 2010 and onwards have the Auto Recovery feature and the Recover Unsaved Presentations option. The former saves the file you’re working on at regular time intervals. Both features help the user ensure they have a place from which they can retrieve their lost files.

Auto-Recovery

If you haven’t saved the PPT or PPTX file you’re working on; PowerPoint creates a temporary folder to save these files. You can navigate to the Auto-Recover File Location and look for your file there. However, to enable this feature, you must ensure that the AutoRecover information option is turned on.

Recover Unsaved Presentations

If PowerPoint or your system crashes while you’re working or before you have the chance to check a saved version, you can use this feature. Once you click on the Recover Unsaved Presentations option, it will open your missing file.

On Windows: Open File > Info > Manage Versions > Recover Unsaved Presentations .

You can find more information on these features at the Microsoft Community.

How to Open PPT, PPTX on Mac and Windows

Microsoft PowerPoint is the most suitable application to open your PPT, PPTX files. It supports all the texts, transition effects, images, clipart, videos, etc., which are vital assets to format the presentation. It is available on both Windows and Mac operating systems as well as on Android and iOS. You can purchase a subscription to Microsoft 365 from Microsoft’s official website.

You can also view PowerPoint files in several other presentation programs. Some examples are Apple Keynote, Corel Presentations, or PPTX viewer. If you have a Microsoft Account or a Microsoft 365 account, it will allow you to view and edit your presentations in the web browser.

Programs that Open PPT, PPTX Files

While Microsoft PowerPoint works best, multiple applications can support PPT, PPTX files. You may not be able to edit them using these applications, but you can view them easily. Some programs that support PPT, PPTX files are:

On Windows: Microsoft PowerPoint 354 Corel Presentations 2021 File Viewer Plus

On Mac: Microsoft PowerPoint 354 Apple Preview Apple Keynote

Android: File Viewer by Android Microsoft Office Microsoft PowerPoint Google Drive Google Slides

iOS: Microsoft Office Microsoft PowerPoint Google Drive Google Slides

Tips to Avoid PPT, PPTX File Loss

While it is quite possible to recover your lost PPT, PPTX files conveniently, it is advisable to try and avoid data loss situations. Here are a few tips you can follow to keep your files safe:

• 💿 Save your work manually – While technological advancements have made it easier to recover files, it is good to keep saving your file manually while working. If the system crashes or an unforeseen problem arises, you can seamlessly get back your precious presentations.
• 💾 Keep multiple backups – Ensure that you have backups of your files. You can either backup your PPT, PPTX files to a different storage device or use the backup features on your systems. Both Windows and Mac OS offer some advanced features that allow you to back up your files safely.
• ☁️ Enable AutoRecover and AutoSave – Verify that AutoRecover has been turned on in PowerPoint. This feature can help you recover your deleted or unsaved files without hassle. A lot of users fret that they forgot to save their presentations. This is where the AutoSave option is a real gamechanger: It automatically saves the changes you continue to make onto the OneDrive cloud storage.
• 🩺 Install a good Antivirus – It is crucial to have reliable antivirus software installed on your computer. It will protect your files from malware and prevent file corruption.
• 🔋 System and Power compatibility – It is suggested that you ensure your system’s compatibility with the software. With constant technical developments, outdated software versions would not work on newer systems. To avoid data loss due to sudden power outages, invest in an Uninterrupted Power Source (UPS).
• 🗄️ Separate software from other data – You should keep your software and other data, including your media files and documents on different drives. If this isn’t followed, your system can crash, or you risk disk failure. It can thus result in significant data loss.

This information can help you avoid losing your data. However, if a data-loss situation arises, the methods mentioned above can help you recover files or other data.

How to recover unsaved PowerPoint files in Windows 11?

PowerPoint comes ready with features that actively work to keep a record of your presentations, even if you haven’t saved it yet. To do this, PowerPoint takes regular snapshots of your file, which allows you to recover it in the event of sudden power or application failure.

To recover an unsaved PowerPoint file, follow these steps:

• Open PowerPoint .
• Click File , then Open . At the bottom of the recent files list, click Recover Unsaved Presentations .
• Select the unsaved presentation file in the UnsavedFiles folder, then click Open .

Once opened, save the presentation file like normal.

Where are PowerPoint AutoSave files stored?

If you’re not a Microsoft 365 user, the AutoSave feature that automatically saves your presentation almost immediately after any change won’t be available to you. Instead, you must rely on the AutoRecover feature.

AutoRecover, when enabled, will automatically make a copy of your file every 10 minutes by default. The path to this AutoRecover folder is typically C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\PowerPoint\ , but the below instructions will show you how to find the exact location for you.

• Click File , then Options .
• Click Save .
• Copy the path in the AutoRecover file location box and open it in File Explorer .

How to recover unsaved PowerPoint files on OneDrive?

If your PowerPoint presentation crashes before you get a chance to save it in OneDrive, you may still be able to recover it from a version that was automatically saved. To do so, follow these steps.

• Click File , then Open .
• Click Recover Unsaved Presentations .
• Select your unsaved presentation and click Open .

Going forward, if you’re a Microsoft 365 user, consider saving your file in OneDrive immediately after creating it. This way, the AutoSave feature will be enabled from the beginning, which will save your file every few seconds.

How do I recover PowerPoint history?

Follow these steps to recover PowerPoint file history:

• Open the file you want to view.
• Click File > Info > Version history . 
• Select a version to open it in a separate window.
• If you wish to restore a previous version you’ve opened, select Restore .

Where are temporary PowerPoint files stored?

Temporary PowerPoint files are stores under the following path: C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local\Temp

Follow these steps to recover temporary PPT, PPTX files:

• Press Win + R and type in %temp% in the Run prompt.
• You can filter through the results in File Explorer by using the following extensions – *.pptx, *.ppt, ppt*.tmp . 
• If the presentation is located within the temporary files folder, it should show up in the results and you can recover it.

How to recover PowerPoint files that were not saved on the iPad?

All PowerPoint presentations are saved automatically on iOS devices. In the event that the AutoSave feature was manually disabled, there will be no way to recover an unsaved presentation.

Joshua Solomon

Technology, SaaS, and digital marketing are Joshua's go-to niches. He understands the need for simple and easy-to-read articles on the internet. As technologies grow in complexity, guides and how-to pieces must remain com...

Brett Johnson

This article has been approved by Brett Johnson, Data Recovery Engineer at ACE Data Recovery. Brett has a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Systems and Network, 12 years of experience.

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How to Recover Deleted/Unsaved PowerPoint Files (Multiple Methods for Windows)

No robots used , our articles are crafted by humans under strict Editorial Guidelines .

In that situation, you can use the methods below to recover the PowerPoint file and save yourself a lot of time.

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How to Recover Unsaved PowerPoint File

Forgetting to click the save button when creating a PowerPoint presentation is a fairly common problem, which is why Microsoft made it possible to recover unsaved presentations directly from PowerPoint.

Method #1: Click Recover Unsaved Presentations

As soon as you create a presentation, PowerPoint saves it in a special folder, called UnsavedFiles. The presentation is stored in this folder until you click the Save button and provide your own directory. Here’s how you can recover unsaved PowerPoint presentations that are still located in the UnsavedFiles folder:

• Launch PowerPoint.
• Open the File menu and click Open.

• Open your presentation and save it someplace safe.

If the UnsavedFiles folder is empty, then you need to try the other methods described in this article.

Method #2: Use the AutoRecover Feature

Located inside the Save section of PowerPoint Options is the AutoRecover feature. When enabled, this feature stores information about opened PowerPoint files every X minutes, and when PowerPoint is closed without saving.

The recovery files created by the AutoRecover feature can be found in the following location (USERNAME = your username):

You can recover them from this location by copying the path and pasting it in the File Explorer address bar.

Then, simply move the PPT or PPTX file to a safe location.

Method #3: Check the Temp Folder

Windows allows any application to store temporary inside the following folder:

You can quickly open this folder by pressing Windows key + R on your keyboard and typing %temp% in the Run prompt.

Since the Temp folder tends to be rather messy, we don’t recommend you go through it manually. Instead, enter the following search queries in the search box located in the top-right corner of File Explorer:

If these search queries fail to yield any results, then it’s possible that your PowerPoint files are deleted. The good news is that there are several ways to recover deleted PPT files, and we explore them in the next section of this article.

How to Recover Deleted PowerPoint File

The three methods we’ve described so far can help you recover a presentation that was closed without saving, but what about presentations that were saved, only to be deleted? Well, that’s where the following three methods come in.

Method #1: Look Inside the Recycle Bin

The Recycle Bin should be the first place you look for lost PowerPoint files:

• Press Windows key + R to open the Run prompt.
• Enter: explorer.exe shell:RecycleBinFolder

• Find your PowerPoint file.

No luck finding your PowerPoint document inside the Recycle Bin? Then it’s most likely permanently deleted .

Method #2: Retrieve Your File from a Backup

It would be beyond the scope of this article to describe all popular backup applications available to Windows users, so we decided to narrow them down to just three:

• Local backup:
• OneDrive backup:
• File History:
• Connect your backup drive to your computer.
• Open it using File Explorer.
• Find your PPT presentation.
• Copy it to your computer.
• Open a web browser.
• Visit:  https://onedrive.live.com/
• Log in with your username and password.
• Download it to your computer.
• Open the Start menu.
• Type “file history.”
• Select Restore your files with File History.
• Navigate to where your PPT file was located and restore it.

Don’t have a backup of your lost PowerPoint file? Don’t despair! There’s still one method that you can try, and it works even if you don’t back up your files.

Method #3: Use Data Recovery Software

Data recovery software can undelete even permanently deleted files, as long as they haven’t been overwritten by new data. Such software applications are available from many different vendors, some of which are targeting enterprise customers, while others are focusing on individual home users.

To recover a PowerPoint presentation with Disk Drill :

• Add the lost PPT/PPTX file to the recovery queue by clicking the checkbox next to it.

Tips to Avoid Losing PowerPoint (PPT, PPTX) Files

Creating PowerPoint presentations is hardly ever fun, but having to recreate a lost presentation from scratch can be a torturous ordeal. Here’s what you can do to avoid losing your PowerPoint files:

• 💾 Enable AutoSave : If you’re using the latest version of PowerPoint (2016 or 2019) and have a Microsoft 365 subscription, then you can enable the AutoSave feature to save your files automatically, every few seconds, as you work. All you need to do is sign in with your Microsoft account and click the AutoSave button in the top-left corner. Unfortunately, the AutoSave feature is not present in PowerPoint 2003/2007/2010/2013.
• 💻 Back up your presentations : It’s never a good idea to keep just a single copy of an important presentation. Instead, consider using the 3-2-1 backup strategy , which states that you should always have three copies of your data, stored on two different media, with one copy off-site.
• ⚡ Buy a UPS : An uninterrupted power supply, or UPS for short, is essentially a battery that sits between your computer and the wall outlet the computer draws power from. In case of a power outage, the UPS quickly turns on to power your computer, allowing you to save your work.
• 💀 Avoid pirated versions of PowerPoint : Obviously, you should never use a pirated version of any software, but it’s especially dangerous to use a pirated version of PowerPoint and other Office applications because you never know if it hasn’t been tampered with and infected with malware.
• 🔧 Maintain your system : Unless your operating system is rock-solid, there will always be a chance of PowerPoint crashing at the worst possible moment. That’s why you should avoid installing dubious software applications from the internet. Instead, try to keep your system as clean as possible by following basic system maintenance tips .

How to recover deleted PowerPoint files?

Follow these simple steps to recover deleted PowerPoint presentations:

• Download, install & run Disk Drill on your PC.
• Select the disk containing the deleted PowerPoint files.
• Start the scan & wait for it to finish.
• Select the PPT files you want to recover & click “Recover”.
• Choose a safe recovery destination & hit “Confirm”.

How to recover a PowerPoint file after a crash?

To recover a PowerPoint file after a crash, open PowerPoint on your computer, click the File menu > Open > Recover Unsaved Presentations.

Can you recover deleted slides from PowerPoint?

No, even the latest version of PowerPoint doesn’t make it possible to recover deleted slides. The best you can do is restore an older version of the PowerPoint file, which can be easily done using OneDrive.

How to recover a corrupted PowerPoint file?

PowerPoint has a built-in file repair option, and you can access it by opening the File menu and selecting > Open > Browse > Open and Repair (accessible after clicking the small arrow next to the Open button).

How to recover a PowerPoint file that was saved over?

Unfortunately, you can’t recover a PowerPoint file that was saved over unless you have a backup safely stored somewhere on your computer or in the cloud.

In this article, we’ve described multiple methods that you can use to recover deleted and unsaved PowerPoint files, so all you need to do is pick the one that best fits your situation by consulting the Quick Navigation section at the start of this article.

This article was written by David Morelo , a Staff Writer at Handy Recovery. It was also verified for technical accuracy by Andrey Vasilyev , our editorial advisor.

Curious about our content creation process? Take a look at our Editor Guidelines .

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How to Recover Unsaved PowerPoint

Losing unsaved information when making PowerPoint presentations can result in a massive loss of time and effort in an instant. You can use different methods to recover unsaved PowerPoint presentations and file versions. In the methods listed below, you can learn how to recover unsaved PowerPoint files and return them to specific file versions.

Method 1: Recover PowerPoint Files Offline

If your system or PowerPoint app randomly crashes, you are usually provided with the option to recover an unsaved file version. If such an option does not occur, you can recover your files using a recovery file. For this purpose, you should first ensure that file recovery is enabled in PowerPoint.

Enable File Recovery in PowerPoint

To enable file recovery, go to File -> Options . In the dialog box that opens up, configure your recovery settings.

You can set your newly created files and the PowerPoint templates you are editing to be saved after a set period of time (e.g., every 1 minute), enable recovering the last version of the file if PowerPoint is closed without saving the presentation, pick the default file location for saving the recovered files, and choose to keep copies of the files online or offline.

Autorecover PowerPoint Files

To recover a PowerPoint file, go to File -> Open and click Recover Unsaved Presentations or via File -> Info -> Manage Presentations -> Recover Unsaved Presentations .

Select the file version to recover from the list to autorecover PowerPoint.

Method 2: Recover PowerPoint Files using OneDrive

Enable autosave for powerpoint files to onedrive.

The new version of PowerPoint comes with an AutoSave option where your presentations can be autosaved to OneDrive. You can enable autosave using this option or enable OneDrive via File -> Save As .

If you aren’t logged in, you will be asked to Sign in and select OneDrive to save the file automatically online.

Recover AutoSaved Files from OneDrive

You can recover files by going to File -> Home and selecting the file name from the list.

The autosaved version of the file can also be found online by logging into your OneDrive account and searching for the file, by going to recent files, or via My Files -> Documents .

Method 3: Recover a File Version in PowerPoint

Sometimes, you don’t need to recover an unsaved file but a specific file version of the PowerPoint file. To recover a file version, go to File -> Info -> Version History .

This will display the versions available for the file for recovery in PowerPoint.

You can also recover file versions by logging into OneDrive and selecting Version History via right-click context menu.

Other Methods for Recovering Unsaved PowerPoint Files

There are also several methods that might be useful to autorecover PPT. These methods might be used when you have exhausted the means to recover PowerPoint files through conventional means.

Restore PowerPoint from Recycle Bin: Sometimes, a file might be accidentally deleted and placed in the Recycle Bin. Restoring a file from there might be your best option at times to recover an accidentally deleted file.

Restore PowerPoint using System Backup: Restoring a system backup might be viable if you have lost an important PowerPoint file due to an operating system reload or if the file might be saved in an older backup.

Recover PowerPoint using Data Recovery Software: There are a wide number of data recovery software that can be used to find and restore permanently deleted files from your hard drive. Some examples include EaseUS free data recovery software, Wondershare Recoverit Data Recovery, and Recuva.

Restore PowerPoint using Cloud Storage App: If you’re unfamiliar with OneDrive, you might use alternative cloud storage apps such as Google Drive, Box, or Dropbox to save files. If you have a PowerPoint saved to these apps which were deleted or are missing, you can look to recover it via your cloud drive by logging into your cloud storage account and sifting through deleted files.

Temp Folder: you can also recover an unsaved PowerPoint via the Windows Temp folder by going to Windows+R and entering %temp% in the dialog box. This folder is usually located at C:\Users\YourUserName\AppData\Local\Temp .

Final Words

To ensure that you can recover PowerPoint files, it is advised to enable autosave either offline or online via OneDrive. This will ensure that you can recover your PowerPoint file and a specific version according to need. Suppose you are unable to recover your PowerPoint files using conventional methods. In that case, the options available require a bit of heavy lifting, such as restoring a system backup, using data recovery software, or sifting through the Windows Temp folder. If you’re really lucky, restoring the file via the RecycleBin might be all you need to do.

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PowerPoint Tips  - Recover Unsaved Presentations

Powerpoint tips  -, recover unsaved presentations, powerpoint tips recover unsaved presentations.

PowerPoint Tips: Recover Unsaved Presentations

Lesson 7: recover unsaved presentations.

/en/powerpoint-tips/spell-check-and-thesaurus-shortcuts/content/

Recover unsaved presentations

Sometimes you don’t get the chance to save your presentation before your computer crashes or you lose power. Thankfully, PowerPoint can help you recover unsaved presentations .

Watch the video below to see how you can restore your work.

• If PowerPoint recovers any unsaved files when you open it, a Document Recovery window will appear.
• Click on the file to open it and then close the window.
• If the Document Recovery window does not appear, click on the File tab in the PowerPoint menu.
• Select Open at the bottom of the recent presentations.
• Click on Recover Unsaved Presentations .
• Select the unsaved file that you want to recover and open it.

We also recommend saving the recovered file in order to prevent losing it in the future. Keep this shortcut in mind next time you have computer trouble, and hopefully, your hard work won't be lost!

Now let’s go over the steps for compressing media files in PowerPoint. 

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How to Recover an Unsaved PowerPoint

Computers don’t always work the way they’re supposed to. Nothing is more frustrating than when a program locks up and stops responding, or worse, completely crashes—especially if you lose progress on an important presentation that you’re working on.

Fortunately, PowerPoint will try to automatically save backup copies of your presentations. If PowerPoint 2019 encounters a problem and stops responding, you can restart PowerPoint or your computer and try to recover your lost presentations.

Recover a Presentation

If an unsaved presentation can be recovered, a Recover unsaved presentations heading will appear on the Welcome screen.

The Document Recovery pane appears, listing all recovered presentations that were found.

The last autosaved version of that presentation opens.

The Document Recovery pane closes, and you can get back to work.

AutoRecovery Settings

You can further protect your work by using the AutoRecover feature to periodically save a temporary copy of the presentation you're working on. To recover work after a software failure, you must have turned on the AutoRecover feature before the problem occurred. You can set the AutoRecover save interval to occur more frequently than its default setting of every 10 minutes.

• Click Save .
• Make sure the Save AutoRecover information check box is checked.

You can’t specify the interval if the check box is not selected.

Even with PowerPoint’s recovery features, the best way to ensure that you don’t lose much progress is to save your work regularly.

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How to Recover a Deleted or Unsaved PowerPoint Presentation

Last update: March 22, 2023

PowerPoint is very popular presentation software. It can be disastrous to lose or delete an important PowerPoint file. Fortunately, there are ways to get lost PowerPoint presentations back. Read on to see how you can recover your valuable data.

Ways to Recover Deleted or Unsaved PowerPoint Presentations

There are multiple ways to recover deleted or lost PowerPoint files. Let’s take a look at the various methods you can use to get back deleted or unsaved PowerPoint files.

Method 1: Use Operating System Features

The first place to look for any lost files is in the special folders that the Windows and Mac operating systems provide to temporarily store deleted items.

To recover a PowerPoint presentation from the Windows Recycle Bin , follow these steps:

• Open the Recycle Bin by clicking on its icon.
• Find the file you wish to restore.
• Click or tap on Restore to recover the file to its original location.

Mac users can use the Trash to recover recently deleted PPT files with these steps:

• Open the Trash by clicking on its icon.
• Locate the item you want to recover.
• Right-click on the PowerPoint file and click Put Back.

Method 2: Try Native PowerPoint Features

PowerPoint provides two powerful native methods of recovering data. You can use the PowerPoint Autorecover feature or the Recover Unsaved Presentation feature. Here’s how they work.

AutoRecover – PowerPoint automatically saves files temporarily via the AutoRecover feature. Recovering them requires navigating to the appropriate folder and searching for your file. To see where PowerPoint is storing the files, use the following steps in PowerPoint.

• Open File > Options > Save.
• The file is specified in the AutoRecover file location field.

You can also  enable or disable AutoRecover  from this window and modify the elapsed time between automatic saves of your PowerPoint files.

Recover Unsaved Presentation  – If PowerPoint crashes before you have a chance to save your presentation, you can use this feature to recover your work. Just follow these steps:

• Open the File tab in PowerPoint.
• Select Recent.
• Click on the Recover Unsaved Presentation icon on the bottom-right of the window.

Recover from temporary PowerPoint files  – You may be able to manually save files that have been temporarily saved by the application. Look in these locations for your operating system if you have lost a PowerPoint file.

• Windows – C :\ Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\Temp
• Mac – /Users/<username>/Library/Containers/com.Microsoft.Powerpoint /Data/Library/Preferences/AutoRecovery

Method 3: Use PowerPoint Recovery Software

In cases where the previous recovery methods are not successful, specialized software may help you restore a lost PPT file. Data recovery software works by taking advantage of the way modern operating systems delete data. When a file is deleted on a Windows or Mac machine, the data is not immediately removed from a disk-based storage device. The operating system disables logical access to the deleted data but it remains on the disk until it is overwritten by new information.

Our editorial team has extensively used licensed copy of Disk Drill data recovery software, which has proven to be a reliable solution for various data loss situations. The steps with other recovery applications will be similar to the following procedure that we use with Disk Drill for Windows.

• Download and install the software. Don’t use the disk that contained the lost PowerPoint files or you risk overwriting them.
• Launch the application and select the disk with the missing PowerPoint presentations from the list of available devices.

• Click the  Recover  button to сhoose a safe storage location that is not on the disk being recovered.

There are many data recovery software solutions available for Mac and Windows computers. Some are freeware applications while others are commercial products. When you are tasked with recovering a lost PowerPoint file, you want to choose the right software tool. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your choice.

Freeware solutions such as Disk Drill data recovery software provide more features than free alternatives.The only real benefit of free tools is the price. The features included with a commercial solution are generally far superior to free alternatives. When faced with a data loss situation, you want to use the best tool available, and a paid/freeware solution will give you a better chance of successful recovery.

Method 4: Recover PowerPoint Presentation From a Backup

If you are following accepted best practices and backing up your computer regularly, you may have a copy of the lost PowerPoint available on backup storage media. Whatever tool you choose to use for making backups, the recovery process is essentially the same and will follow these general steps.

• Connect the storage media containing the backup files to your computer.
• Start the backup and recovery application.
• Search for the PowerPoint presentation you want to recover.
• If found, restore the file to your computer.

The fact that the last resort may be to use a backup copy to recover your files demonstrates the importance of making it a regular practice to back up your data. Take the time to do it. Someday you will be very happy that you did.

Why Do PowerPoint Files Get Deleted?

Just as with any other type of file living on your computer or laptop, there are many ways that PowerPoint presentations can be lost or deleted. Here are some of the most common reasons you might lose one of these important files.

• Human error is involved in a large majority of data loss incidents. It’s very easy to inadvertently delete the wrong file and then empty the Trash or Recycle Bin. You may also accidentally format a drive or partition that contained some PowerPoint files.
• An infection with a virus or malware can be responsible for the loss of data on a Mac or Windows 7/8/10/11 machine. Files may be randomly deleted or the filesystem can become corrupted depending on what type of malware has entered your system.
• Physically damaged disks will often exhibit lost and deleted data. Disks can be damaged due to simple wear and tear or by treating them badly and exposing the devices to excessive moisture or heat.

Protecting Your PowerPoint Files

There are several measures that you can take to protect your PowerPoint files.

The information presented in this section should help you protect your PowerPoint presentations and recover them if you are impacted by a sudden data loss. Here are a few more points of interest regarding recovering deleted PowerPoint files.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i recover a powerpoint that i have overwritten.

Once you have saved a PowerPoint over an older copy, the best way to recover it is with a backup. Windows users may also be able to use the Restore Previous Version feature that also depends on restore points being saved by the operating system.

How can I recover deleted PowerPoint files from an iPad?

Data recovery software can be used to restore a PowerPoint file deleted from an iPad. Connect the iPad to your computer and let the recovery software scan it as it would any other disk-based device.

How can I recover a file if PowerPoint crashes?

Use the Recover Unsaved Presentation feature to recover files that you were working on when PowerPoint stopped responding or crashed. Alternately, you can use PowerPoint’s Autorecover feature which can be configured to automatically save presentations on a time-frame of your choosing.

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I accidentally clicked don't save PowerPoint. Can I recover it?

I accidentally clicked don't save PowerPoint. Can I recover it? I check the unsaved folder and there is nothing.

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Check your TEMP folder for files that were saved at or slightly before the time you closed w/o saving.

Try renaming them to give them a PPTX extension, then try opening them.

If luck's on your side, that may work.

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Where is the TEMP folder?

In the Windows search bar, lower left of your screen, type:

Your temp folder will open in Windows File Explorer

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How to Recover and Restore Unsaved PowerPoint Presentation Files

Losing an unsaved PowerPoint presentation can be extremely frustrating. All that hard work down the drain in an instant. However, there are several methods you can use to try and recover your presentation. As someone with over 10 years of experience using PowerPoint, I will provide a detailed guide on the various ways to restore unsaved PPT files.

Table of Contents

Recover Unsaved Presentations

Autorecover, check the temp folder, use data recovery software, enable autosave in office 365, best practices to avoid losing work, use powerpoint’s built-in recovery features.

PowerPoint has some useful built-in features to help you recover unsaved presentations:

This allows you to restore presentations that were open when PowerPoint crashed. Simply go to File > Open > Recover Unsaved Presentations and select your file.

Automatically saves temporary versions of your presentation every 10 minutes by default. You can access these files to restore lost work.

To enable AutoRecover:

• Go to File > Options > Save
• Check the “Save AutoRecover information every” box
• Set the frequency to every 1 minute for maximum protection

Pro Tip: Store your presentations on OneDrive so they are saved to the cloud automatically.

When you work on a presentation, PowerPoint creates a temporary file. You may find this unsaved presentation in your Temp folder:

• Press Windows + R
• Type %temp% and hit Enter
• Search for .ppt or .pptx files
• Rename and save the file

If the above methods don’t work, use reliable data recovery software like Stellar Data Recovery . Follow these steps:

• Select the drive to scan
• Preview found PowerPoint files
• Recover files to a safe location

This should retrieve your unsaved presentations unless the files were overwritten.

The AutoSave feature in Office 365 automatically saves your work to OneDrive every few seconds:

• Open the File menu
• Select Options
• Check the “AutoSave OneDrive and SharePoint Online files” box

With AutoSave enabled, you can easily restore previous versions of your presentations.

Here are some tips to ensure you don’t lose work again:

• Save Early, Save Often: Manually save your presentation frequently
• Set AutoRecover to 1 Minute: More frequent automatic backups
• Work From The Cloud: Store files on OneDrive for automatic syncing
• Close Other Programs: Avoid crashes from background processes
• Use a Surge Protector: Prevent shutdowns from power fluctuations

Following these simple practices will help safeguard your presentations from accidental loss.

Recovering an unsaved PowerPoint presentation may seem daunting at first. However, PowerPoint offers reliable built-in recovery options. You can also turn to data recovery software or Office 365 AutoSave as a last resort. Implementing some best practices will further keep your work protected.

Hopefully these tips will save you from having to recreate lost presentations in the future! Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions.

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2 Easiest Ways to Recover Unsaved PowerPoint (Step-by-Step Guide)

Working with PowerPoint and other office software is becoming increasingly popular, especially since the onset of COVID-19. Alongside this trend, users facing challenges have become more common, with their presentations occasionally getting lost due to errors or unexpected interruptions in PowerPoint. However, there's no need to worry; PowerPoint presentations can be recovered. In this article, we will discuss methods to recover unsaved presentations on both Mac and Windows. So, let's proceed to recover your presentation!

How to Recover Unsaved PowerPoint on Windows (In Easy Steps)

In this section, we will learn how to recover unsaved PowerPoint files on Windows, so, let's get started!

Method1: Using the “Recover Unsaved Presentations” Feature in PowerPoint

In this method, we will utilize PowerPoint's built-in feature called "Recover Unsaved Presentations:

Step 1: Open the PowerPoint app on your Windows system and go to the "Open" tab in the sidebar. There, you will find the option for "Recover Unsaved Presentation".

Step 2: The system will then prompt you to the location of unsaved files within File Explorer. You can also manually navigate to the directory.

Step 3: In the directory, you will see a list of recoverable PPT files. Select the latest version to restore.

Step 4: Make sure to save your recovered PowerPoint file in a safe and easily accessible location. It's recommended to save it as a copy.

Method 2: Using the AutoRecover Feature to Recover Unsaved PowerPoint

Step 1: Open PowerPoint, click "File" in the upper left corner, and select "Options" from the dropdown.

Step 2: In the PowerPoint Options window, choose "Save" from the left-hand menu, locate "AutoRecover file location", and copy the following path:

C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\PowerPoint

Step 3: Open File Explorer, then paste and browse the copied path to locate the unsaved file you need.

Step 4: Copy the unsaved file to a secure location, change its file extension to .pptx or .ppt, and attempt to open and save it in another location.

How to Recover Unsaved PowerPoint on Mac (Easy & Quick)

Mac users can recover their unsaved presentation files easily as follows:

Method 1: Check Recent Files on Mac

Step 1: Start the PowerPoint application on your Mac.

Step 2: Navigate to the menu bar at the top of your screen. Click on "File" and select "Open Recent" from the dropdown menu. Click on Presentation to move forward.

Step 3: Choose the file you need, and it will open in PowerPoint.

Step 4: Now, go to "File" again, but this time, select "Save As" and pick your desired location to save the file.

Method 2: Using AutoSave Feature on Mac (If Enabled)

Step 1: Open PowerPoint on your Mac, then go to "Preferences".

Step 2: In the Preferences menu, click on "Save" in the Preference window.

Step 3: Make sure the box next to "Save AutoRecover info every" is checked, this enables AutoSave.

To Find the AutoRecovery Folder:

Step 1: Quickly locate the PowerPoint AutoSave folder on your Mac. Open Finder, click "Go" in the menu, and select "Go to Folder".

Step 2: Copy and paste the following folder path in the search field, replacing "username" with your username:

/Users/username/Library/Containers/com.Microsoft.Powerpoint/Data/Library/Preferences/AutoRecovery

Step 2: Once you find the necessary file, you can either drag and drop it into a different folder or open the PPT presentation and click "File" > "Save as".

How to Avoid PowerPoint from Being Unsaved Again

What is wps office and why choose it.

Unexpected power outages and computer crashes can disrupt your work at any moment. To maintain productivity and safeguard your work, it's crucial to utilize the right resources. WPS Office offers a solution by providing cloud storage options that automatically save your work as you progress. This comprehensive office suite is highly compatible, allowing you to seamlessly work on documents, presentations, and spreadsheets without any concerns. Plus, its compatibility with Microsoft Office ensures smooth collaboration and hassle-free document sharing.

Edit Your PowerPoint Presentations with WPS Office

Step 1: To kickstart the editing process, the initial step involves downloading WPS Office. Head to the official WPS Office website to initiate the download.

Step 2: Open the WPS Office application once it has been successfully downloaded.

Step 3: After launching WPS Office, choose "Slides" from the Side Bar, and then you’ll see the “Open” icon, click on it to open your PowerPoint Presentation.

Step 4: Elevate the quality of your presentation with ease by making use of the diverse editing tools available in WPS Presentation!

Step 5: Once your presentation is ready, click on the menu in the top left corner. Then, select the "Save" option to store your presentation safely on your computer.

Use Cloud Storage Service

WPS Cloud is a comprehensive document storage and management service integrated with WPS Office. It offers users 1GB of free storage space for files and rich media. Documents are automatically saved to WPS Cloud, allowing file roaming and cross-device accessibility.

Creating a New Folder:

Step 1: In WPS Office , click on "Files" in the sidebar menu.

Step 2 : Select "WPS Drive." You'll see all your files stored in WPS Cloud. Now, click on "New" and then choose "Folder" to create a new folder in WPS Cloud.

To delete a single file:

Step 1: Go back to "WPS Drive" and locate the file you want to delete.

Step 2: Right-click on the file, then choose "Delete" from the context menu to remove it from WPS Drive.

Downloading Files:

Step 1: In "WPS Drive", locate the file you wish to download.

Step 2: Right-click on the file and select "Export" from the context menu.

Step 3: Choose the location to save the file and click "Save".

Use Word, Excel, and PPT for FREE, No Ads.

Edit PDF files with the powerful PDF toolkit.

Microsoft-like interface. Easy to learn. 100% Compatibility.

Boost your productivity with WPS's abundant free Word, Excel, PPT, and CV templates.

Q1. What is the standard storage space provided for a WPS account?

A standard WPS account comes with 1 GB of storage in the cloud. You can save documents, spreadsheets, and other files there. But if you need additional space, you can get a Premium account. You get 20 GB of storage with a Premium account. You have to pay for Premium every month for a monthly subscription. It is practical if you usually make and save big files using WPS.

Q2. Do PowerPoint presentations save automatically?

Yes, PowerPoint presentations do have an autosave feature. By default, PowerPoint autosaves your work every 10 minutes. This feature protects your work in case of unforeseen issues like power outages or program crashes. But it's still a good practice to save your work yourself regularly. If you want to retrieve an autosaved file, you can do so from the Backstage view in PowerPoint.

Q3. How do I change the AutoSave frequency in PowerPoint?

To modify how often PowerPoint saves your work automatically, follow this straight-forward step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Open PowerPoint and click on the "File” menu. You can locate this on the Left side.

Step 2: From the menu that displays, select "Options".

Step 3: In the Options window, click on "Save".

Step 4: Look for the "Save AutoRecover information every [X] minutes" field under "Save presentations".

Step 5: Adjust the number in this field to set how often PowerPoint saves your work automatically.

Remember that saving more frequently will secure your work but may slow down the PowerPoint. Therefore, find the ideal option that suits your preferences.

Empower Your PowerPoint Journey with Recovery and Enhancement

However, sometimes, due to power outages or app malfunctions, our hard work in crafting a presentation isn't saved. In this article, we have explored how to recover our unsaved presentations. WPS Office offers the convenience of cloud storage, allowing you to seamlessly recover unsaved presentations. Download WPS Office today and streamline your presentation-making process.

• 1. How to Recover Deleted Word Documents on Android: A Comprehensive Guide
• 2. How to Recover Unsaved Word Documents on Android A Comprehensive Guide
• 3. How to Recover Drive Windows 10 A Comprehensive Guide
• 4. How to Recover Deleted Files from Recycle Bin on Windows and Mac with WPS Office
• 5. How to Recover Your PC Using System Restore on Windows 10
• 6. 2 Easiest Ways to Run Microsoft Office on Linux for Free in 2024 (Step-by-Step)

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.

How To Recover An Unsaved PowerPoint

Discover the essential steps to recover an unsaved PowerPoint file effortlessly. Never lose your work again with our expert guide!

Sanskar Tiwari

Steps to Manually Open an AutoRecover File

Step 1: access ms powerpoint.

Step 2: Navigate to the File Tab

Step 3: Click Recover Unsaved Presentations

Step 4: Locate AutoRecover Files

Step 5: Open and Save the Recovered File

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How to recover an unsaved PowerPoint presentation in Windows 11

Hello Tecnobits! What's up? I hope you are great. By the way, did you know that in Windows 11 you can recover an unsaved PowerPoint presentation? Yes, it's that simple. You just have to follow these steps How to recover an unsaved PowerPoint presentation in Windows 11 and ready. Have a great day!

How can I recover an unsaved PowerPoint presentation in Windows 11?

1. Open PowerPoint on Windows 11. 2. Go to the “File” tab in the upper left corner. 3. Select "Open" from the dropdown menu. 4. Click “Recover Unsaved Documents” at the bottom of the window. 5. Find the unsaved presentation file you want to recover. 6. Double-click the file to open it in PowerPoint and save it with a different name and location to avoid overwriting the original version.

Is it possible to recover a PowerPoint presentation if I didn't save it before it closed unexpectedly?

Is there a way to recover a powerpoint presentation if my computer turned off while i was working on it, how can i recover an accidentally deleted powerpoint presentation in windows 11.

1. Open the Recycle Bin in Windows 11. 2. Find the accidentally deleted PowerPoint presentation. 3. Right-click the file and select “Restore”. 4. The file will be restored to its original location on your computer. 5. Open PowerPoint and locate the recovered file in the original location. 6. Save the file with a different name and location to avoid overwriting the original version.

What should I do if PowerPoint closes unexpectedly and I haven't saved the presentation?

Can i recover a powerpoint presentation if i closed the program without saving, is there a way to recover a powerpoint presentation if my computer crashed, how to recover a powerpoint presentation if a power outage occurred, is it possible to recover a powerpoint presentation if the program closed unexpectedly, what steps should i take to recover a powerpoint presentation if the program was closed without saving.

See you later, Tecnobits! Don't forget to save your PowerPoint presentations in Windows 11, or you'll have to search how to recover an unsaved PowerPoint presentation in Windows 11 ! We read soon.

You may also be interested in this related content:

• How to restore the default font in Windows 10
• How to reset the graphics driver in Windows 10
• How to backup a Dell laptop running Windows 10

I am Sebastián Vidal, a computer engineer passionate about technology and DIY. Additionally, I am the creator of tecnobits.com, where I share tutorials to make technology more accessible and understandable for everyone.

How To Recover An Unsaved PowerPoint

Published: August 24, 2023

Reasons for PowerPoint Unsaving

It can be frustrating to work tirelessly on a PowerPoint presentation, only to have it vanish into thin air due to an unexpected unsaved status. Understanding the common reasons for unsaved PowerPoints can help you prevent future data loss and find ways to recover your work. Here are some of the most common factors that can lead to unsaved PowerPoint files:

• Power Outages or System Crashes: Sudden power outages, system crashes, or unexpected shutdowns can cause your PowerPoint file to go unsaved. Without a backup power source or regular saving habits, all your progress can disappear in an instant.
• Application Errors: Sometimes, the PowerPoint application itself can encounter errors or bugs that cause the program to malfunction. This can result in unsaved files or loss of recent changes.
• User Errors: It’s easy to accidentally close or exit the PowerPoint program without saving your work. Distractions, rushing, or simply forgetting to save can all contribute to unsaved PowerPoint files.
• Computer or Program Updates: Occasionally, software updates or computer restarts may interfere with the saving process, leading to unsaved PowerPoints. Make sure to save your presentation before initiating any updates or system changes.
• Network or Connection Issues: If you’re working on a cloud-based PowerPoint file, network or connectivity problems can interrupt the saving process. Ensure a stable internet connection to minimize the risk of unsaved files.

By being aware of these common causes, you can take steps to prevent unsaved PowerPoints and minimize the chances of losing your valuable work. It’s important to remember that prevention is always better than recovery when it comes to data loss. However, if you do find yourself with an unsaved PowerPoint, there are methods you can try to retrieve your progress.

Methods for Recovery in Office Versions 2016 and Later

If you’re using Office versions 2016 and later, you have several options available to recover unsaved PowerPoint files. Here are some methods you can try:

• Using the AutoRecover Feature: PowerPoint has an AutoRecover feature that automatically saves your progress at regular intervals. When you reopen the program after a crash or unexpected close, PowerPoint will prompt you to recover unsaved files. Simply click on the recovered file to retrieve your work.
• Locating the Temporary File: PowerPoint creates temporary backup copies of your unsaved files. To access them, open the File Explorer and type “%temp%” into the address bar. Look for files with the .tmp extension, navigate to the appropriate folder, and search for a file starting with “ppt” or “pptx”. Rename the file with a .ppt or .pptx extension and open it in PowerPoint to recover your content.
• Recovering from the Document Recovery Pane: If PowerPoint detects an unsaved file upon restarting, it will display a Document Recovery Pane. Simply click on the file you wish to recover and follow the prompts to restore your PowerPoint presentation.

These methods should help you recover your unsaved PowerPoint files in Office versions 2016 and later. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that these recovery options may not always be successful, especially if the file was never saved or if the AutoRecover feature was disabled.

If you’re unable to retrieve your unsaved PowerPoint through these methods, there are still alternatives you can explore. One option is to use the PowerPoint Viewer, a free application that allows you to open and view PowerPoint files, even if you don’t have PowerPoint installed on your computer. Another alternative is to utilize data recovery software specifically designed to recover lost or deleted PowerPoint files.

Remember, it’s essential to save your work regularly to prevent the frustration of dealing with unsaved PowerPoint files. Additionally, enabling the AutoSave feature and maintaining backups of your presentations will further safeguard your data.

Method for Recovery in Office Versions Prior to 2016

If you’re using an Office version prior to 2016, the recovery process for unsaved PowerPoint files may be slightly different. Here’s a method you can try to retrieve your work:

• Using the Temp Folder: In earlier versions of Office, PowerPoint typically saves temporary versions of your unsaved files in a specific folder. Follow these steps to locate and recover your unsaved PowerPoint file:
• Open the File Explorer and navigate to the following folder: C:\Users\[YourUserName]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\UnsavedFiles . Note that “YourUserName” should be replaced with your actual username.
• Look for files with the .tmp extension and sort them by date modified, with the most recent ones appearing first.
• Rename the file with a .ppt or .pptx extension and open it in PowerPoint to recover your content.

It’s important to note that the availability and success of this method may vary depending on your Office version and system configuration. If the unsaved PowerPoint file is not found in the UnsavedFiles folder or if you are unable to open the recovered file, consider utilizing alternative recovery options.

Regardless of your Office version, it’s crucial to implement good saving habits and regularly save your PowerPoint presentations to minimize the risk of unsaved files. Additionally, enabling the AutoSave feature and maintaining backups of your presentations will provide an extra layer of protection against data loss.

If none of these methods prove successful in recovering your unsaved PowerPoint file, consider reaching out to technical support for further assistance. They may be able to provide additional guidance or suggest specialized data recovery tools tailored specifically for PowerPoint files.

Using the AutoRecover Feature

If you have experienced a sudden PowerPoint crash or an unexpected closure of the application, you may be able to recover your unsaved work using the AutoRecover feature. The AutoRecover feature automatically saves your progress at regular intervals in case of unforeseen events. Here’s how you can use this feature to retrieve your unsaved PowerPoint:

• Open PowerPoint on your computer.
• If PowerPoint detects an unsaved file from a previous session, a Document Recovery Pane will appear on the left side of the screen.
• In the Document Recovery Pane, you will see a list of unsaved presentations. Look for the most recent file that contains the content you need.
• Click on the file to select it, and then click the “Open” button.
• The recovered file will open, and you will be able to see the contents of your unsaved PowerPoint.
• Now, make sure to save the recovered file to a desired location on your computer.

If you don’t see the Document Recovery Pane upon opening PowerPoint, it means that there are no unsaved files from the previous session. In this case, the AutoRecover feature may not be able to help you retrieve your work.

It’s important to note that the AutoRecover feature is not foolproof and may not always be able to recover unsaved files, especially if the file was never saved or if the program crashed unexpectedly without properly invoking the AutoRecover process. So, it’s always advisable to regularly save your PowerPoint files to prevent potential data loss.

In addition to relying on the AutoRecover feature, it’s a good practice to enable the AutoSave feature in PowerPoint. AutoSave automatically saves changes to your PowerPoint file at regular intervals, reducing the risk of losing your work in the event of a crash or closure. To enable AutoSave, go to the “File” tab, click on “Options,” and then select “Save.” Check the “Save AutoRecover information every” box and set the desired interval for saving changes.

By utilizing the AutoRecover and AutoSave features, you can significantly improve your chances of recovering unsaved PowerPoint files and minimize the frustration of losing valuable work.

Locating the Temporary File

In the unfortunate event of an unsaved PowerPoint file, you may still have a chance to recover your work by locating the temporary file created by PowerPoint. This method involves searching for and accessing the temporary backup copies that PowerPoint generates. Here’s how you can locate and recover the temporary file:

• First, make sure that PowerPoint is closed.
• Open the File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
• In the address bar of the File Explorer, type “%temp%” (without the quotation marks) and press Enter.
• The File Explorer will open the temporary folder where various temporary files are stored.
• Look for files with the .tmp extension. These files represent the temporary backup copies created by PowerPoint.
• Sort the files by “Date Modified” by clicking on the “Date Modified” column header, with the most recently modified files appearing at the top.
• Search for a file starting with “ppt” or “pptx” followed by a string of numbers and letters. This file contains the temporary backup of your unsaved PowerPoint presentation.
• Once you have located the file, right-click on it and choose “Rename”. Change the file extension from .tmp to .ppt or .pptx.
• After renaming the file, double-click on it to open it in PowerPoint.
• If everything goes smoothly, you should now be able to access your unsaved PowerPoint file with its recent changes restored.

While this method can be successful in recovering unsaved PowerPoint files, it’s important to note that the availability and success of temporary files may vary depending on your system configuration and PowerPoint version.

Remember, it is imperative to act promptly in attempting to recover your unsaved PowerPoint file through this method. Temporary files may be deleted by system processes or other activities, so ensure that you locate and rename the temporary file as soon as possible to increase the chances of successful recovery.

Additionally, it’s crucial to develop a habit of saving your work regularly to avoid relying solely on temporary file recovery. Regular saving ensures that you have a stable, up-to-date version to fall back on in case of unexpected events.

Recovering from the Document Recovery Pane

PowerPoint has a built-in feature called the Document Recovery Pane, which is designed to provide a quick and easy way to recover unsaved PowerPoint files. When you reopen PowerPoint after a crash or unexpected closure, this pane will appear if there are any unsaved files available for recovery. Here’s how you can use the Document Recovery Pane to retrieve your unsaved PowerPoint file:

• If there are any unsaved files from a previous session, you will see the Document Recovery Pane on the left side of the screen.
• In the Document Recovery Pane, you will find a list of unsaved presentations. Each file will have a name with the prefix “AutoSave” followed by a date and time stamp.
• Locate the unsaved PowerPoint file that you want to recover and click on it to select it.
• Click the “Open” button to open the recovered file.
• The unsaved PowerPoint file will now open with the recovered content, allowing you to continue working on it.
• Make sure to save the recovered file to a desired location on your computer to ensure that your progress is not lost.

Using the Document Recovery Pane is an efficient and straightforward method to recover unsaved PowerPoint files. However, it’s important to note that this feature is only available if PowerPoint detects unsaved files upon reopening the application. If you don’t see the Document Recovery Pane, it means that there are no unsaved files from the previous session.

To avoid reliance solely on the Document Recovery Pane, it’s crucial to develop a habit of saving your PowerPoint presentations regularly. Saving your work periodically helps minimize the risk of losing valuable progress in the event of unexpected closures or crashes.

In addition to saving regularly, enabling features like AutoSave and AutoRecover can provide an extra layer of protection against data loss. AutoSave automatically saves changes to your PowerPoint file at regular intervals, while AutoRecover creates temporary backup copies to recover unsaved files in case of unexpected setbacks.

By incorporating these strategies and being familiar with the Document Recovery Pane, you can increase your chances of recovering unsaved PowerPoint files and safeguard your hard work from unexpected events.

Using the PowerPoint Viewer

If you find yourself unable to access PowerPoint or recover your unsaved PowerPoint files using the methods mentioned earlier, you can still view and retrieve your presentation by using the PowerPoint Viewer. The PowerPoint Viewer is a free application provided by Microsoft that allows you to open and view PowerPoint files, even if you don’t have PowerPoint installed on your computer. Here’s how you can use the PowerPoint Viewer:

• Download and install the PowerPoint Viewer from the official Microsoft website or a trusted software repository.
• Once installed, open the PowerPoint Viewer on your computer.
• Click on the “Open” button within the PowerPoint Viewer interface to browse for the unsaved PowerPoint file you want to recover.
• Navigate to the location where the unsaved PowerPoint file is saved and select it.
• The PowerPoint Viewer will open the file, allowing you to view its content.
• To retrieve the content of the unsaved file, you can either take screenshots of the slides or copy and paste the text and images into a new PowerPoint presentation.
• Create a new PowerPoint presentation and paste the retrieved content into the appropriate slides.
• Save the newly created presentation to a desired location on your computer.

While using the PowerPoint Viewer can help you regain the content of your unsaved PowerPoint file, it’s important to note that you may lose certain formatting or features that are specific to PowerPoint. Additionally, animations, transitions, and other dynamic elements may not be fully preserved when viewing the presentation with the PowerPoint Viewer.

It’s essential to remember that the PowerPoint Viewer is intended for viewing purposes only and does not offer the full range of editing capabilities available in Microsoft PowerPoint. Therefore, once you have recovered the content of your unsaved file, it’s advisable to open it in a fully-functional PowerPoint application to make any necessary modifications or enhancements.

By utilizing the PowerPoint Viewer, you can still access and retrieve the content of your unsaved PowerPoint files, providing you with an alternative solution when other recovery methods are unsuccessful. However, it’s important to implement regular saving practices and consider enabling features like AutoSave and AutoRecover to minimize the chances of encountering unsaved files in the first place.

Data Recovery Software for PowerPoint Files

If you have exhausted all the built-in recovery options and methods for unsaved PowerPoint files without success, you can consider utilizing data recovery software specifically designed for PowerPoint files. Data recovery software can scan your computer’s storage devices to locate and recover deleted or lost files, including unsaved PowerPoint presentations. Here’s how you can use data recovery software to recover your PowerPoint files:

• Research and select a reputable data recovery software that supports PowerPoint file recovery.
• Download and install the data recovery software on your computer.
• Launch the data recovery software and follow the provided instructions to begin the scanning process.
• Select the location or drive where you suspect the unsaved PowerPoint file was saved. It could be your computer’s hard drive, an external storage device, or a specific folder.
• Initiate the scanning process and wait for the software to analyze and retrieve any recoverable files, including unsaved PowerPoint presentations.
• Once the scanning is complete, carefully review the recovered files and locate the PowerPoint file that you want to recover.
• Select the unsaved PowerPoint file and choose the option to recover or restore it to a safe location on your computer.
• After the recovery process, open the recovered PowerPoint file in Microsoft PowerPoint to ensure that your content has been successfully retrieved.
• To prevent the loss of recovered files, immediately save the PowerPoint presentation to a new location and consider creating a backup to prevent future data loss.

It’s important to note that the success of data recovery software depends on various factors, such as the condition of the storage device and whether data has been overwritten. Additionally, data recovery software may only be effective for deleted or lost files, rather than specifically targeting unsaved files.

When using data recovery software, it’s crucial to follow the instructions carefully and choose a reliable software solution from a trusted source. Ensure that you understand the software’s capabilities and limitations, and make sure to take appropriate precautions to protect your data privacy and security.

Remember, while data recovery software can be a powerful tool, it’s always best to implement regular saving habits and enable features like AutoSave and AutoRecover to minimize the risk of unsaved files and potential data loss.

Preventing Future Data Loss with AutoSave and Backup

Experiencing the frustration of unsaved PowerPoint files can be avoided by implementing preventive measures such as enabling AutoSave and maintaining regular backups. Here are some strategies for preventing future data loss:

1. Enable AutoSave: Taking advantage of the AutoSave feature in PowerPoint can be a lifesaver. AutoSave automatically saves your changes at regular intervals, ensuring that even if an unexpected event occurs, your progress is preserved. To enable AutoSave, go to the “File” tab, click on “Options,” and select “Save.” Check the “Save AutoRecover information every” box and set the desired interval.

2. Regularly Save Your Work: Make it a habit to save your PowerPoint presentations regularly, especially after making significant changes. Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+S (Windows) or Command+S (Mac) to save your work instantly. Saving your presentation frequently reduces the risk of losing valuable progress in case of system crashes or accidental closures.

3. Create Backup Copies: Alongside AutoSave, manually creating backup copies of your PowerPoint files adds an extra layer of protection. Regularly save copies of your presentations to a different storage location, such as an external hard drive, cloud storage, or even a USB flash drive. This ensures that you have multiple copies of your work in case one becomes corrupted or lost.

4. Utilize Version Control: Consider implementing version control practices for your PowerPoint files. This involves maintaining different versions of the same presentation, documenting changes, and labeling each version with a revision number or date. Version control allows you to revert to a previous state if necessary and provides a reliable way to track and manage changes over time.

5. Embrace Cloud Storage Solutions: Storing your PowerPoint files on cloud-based platforms, such as Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, or Dropbox, adds an extra level of security. Cloud storage automatically saves and synchronizes your files across multiple devices, reducing the risk of data loss due to hardware failures or system crashes.

6. Regularly Update and Maintain Software: Keep your PowerPoint software up to date with the latest patches and updates. These updates often include bug fixes and stability improvements, reducing the likelihood of encountering issues that could result in unsaved files or data loss.

7. Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about best practices for PowerPoint file management and data protection. Educate yourself and your team members about the importance of saving work regularly, enabling AutoSave, and implementing backup strategies. By promoting a culture of data protection, you can help prevent future instances of unsaved files.

By implementing these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of unsaved PowerPoint files and minimize the potential for data loss. Remember, prevention is key, and taking proactive steps to safeguard your work ensures peace of mind and preserves your valuable presentations.

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How to recover unsaved Word documents on a Mac

Few computer-related disasters can quickly drain the color from your face quicker than losing a document you’ve been busily working on. Whether your Mac crashed or froze, you forgot to save, or you accidentally clicked on delete, all might not be lost. We’ll show you how you can recover that vanished Word document.

If everything is working as it should then it’s quite hard to lose a file in Word. Word has an autosave feature that means that in the event of an accident, you should still have the bulk of your work, except for the last ten minutes. Our top tip would be to save a document as soon as you start working on it to ensure that it autosaves regularly.

But that’s not why you’re here. If you’ve opened Word and can’t find that document you were working on don’t panic! There is a good chance that you can get your document back. In this article, we’ll run through the various ways you can recover an unsaved or deleted Word document.

How to recover an unsaved Word doc

We’ll run through a few scenarios that you might have been confronted with to recover that Word document for you. As we said above, the good news is that Word for Mac has a built-in autosave feature called AutoRecover. This means that Word is quietly saving the document you are working on without you needing to manually tell the software to do so.

For this feature to function properly, however, you’ll need to initially save the document with a name, and then Word will make incremental saves every ten minutes. However, even if you haven’t done this Word will still save your document and you should be able to find a version of it in the AutoRecover folder.

Below we will run through and some other steps you can take to recover your document.

Scenario 1: You are working on a Word document and you have to restart your Mac without a chance to save first

・Solution: Open Word again to see an autosaved version of your document.

The good news is that if you are using an up-to-date version of Word then just opening up Word again should recover the document—or at least a very recent version of it.

This is because Word autosaves your document – even if you haven’t saved it yet. This is even though at the top of the Window you will see an AutoSave button, which may be off. (Switch that button on and you’ll see a request to save your document.)

Scenario 2: Opening Word doesn’t load up the document you were working on

・Solution: Find it in the AutoRecovery folder.

・Open the Finder.

・Click on Go in the menu.

・Click on Go To Folder.

・Paste in the following:

~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Word/Data/Library/Preferences/AutoRecovery

・This will open your AutoRecovery folder where you will find the AutoRecovery versions of your documents even though you didn’t save them.

Having found the document you may not be able to open it, in which case you may need to try the steps in the next scenario…

Scenario 3: Word won’t open the AutoRecovery version of your document

・Solution: Drag the file into a different text editor app

When you try to open the AutoRecovery file (either by clicking on it or trying to drag it onto the Word icon in the Dock) you may see a message claiming that Word experienced an error trying to open the file. One of the suggestions may be to open the Text Recovery Converter. Here’s what we did:

・Open TextEdit.

・Drag the file onto the TextEdit icon in the Dock.

・Copy the text into a new file in Word.

Scenario 4: In a moment of madness you clicked on Don’t Save or Delete

・Solution: Find the most recent version in the AutoRecovery folder

The great news is that even if you didn’t save your Word document – even the best of us have clicked Don’t Save by accident when we were closing documents – you can recover it from the AutoRecovery folder. However, it is really difficult to locate as it is locked away in a hidden Library folder.

Luckily there is a simple way to view that folder. Just click on Go > Go To Folder in the Finder’s Go menu and paste the following:

This will open your AutoRecovery folder where you will find the AutoRecovery versions of your documents even though you didn’t save.

If you are thinking you might be able to locate that folder directly in the Finder, notice that the ~ symbol means that it is a hidden folder, so it’s easier to cut and paste the above address.

Scenario 5: You made a mistake and want to go back to an older version

・Solution: Browser through recent versions

It’s not always the case that you lose the whole document. Sometimes you might lose some of the work you have done, which can be just as traumatic if you’ve spent a lot of time on it. As long as you have made an initial save of the document you should be able to browse the version history:

・With the Word document open click on File .

・Select Browse Version History .

・In the right-hand column, you’ll see the version history. Locate a version of the document from before you made the mistakes you wish to correct.

・Click on Open Version . This will open a second copy of your document.

・Either click on Restore (to go back to this version of the document) or Compare (if you don’t want to recover the whole document and just want to copy and paste the bit you need).

Other ways to recover a lost Word document

If the above doesn’t work, or your version of Word is older than the current one, try the steps we outline below.

Check the Trash

In some cases, your file might be missing because you deleted it. It’s easily done when you are trying to make room on your Mac and you remove a load of old files only to realize that one of them was crucial. Luckily this isn’t as disastrous as it sounds. The document might still be found in the Trash.

・Click on the Trash can icon in the Dock to open it.

・You’ll now see the contents of the Trash. Look for your file. If you click on a file and press Space Bar you may be able to see a preview of it.

・If you don’t see your file look for a ‘Recovered Items’ folder in the Trash. It’s possible that your file is located in that.

・If it’s there you’ll need to right-click on it and choose Put Back. This will place the file back in the folder where it was originally saved and you can continue to work on it.

Try data recovery software

There are third-party apps that may be able to help you recover your document if the above advice doesn’t help.

Disk Drill will scan your storage for free and show you the files that can be recovered using the tool (so you don’t have to pay before you know if it will be able to find your file). To recover the file you’ll need to pay for the full version of Disk Drill here (£83.28/$89).

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard will scan the drive or volume where you lost the files. Once the scan is complete you can view Unsaved Documents. Double-click to see a preview of the file and click Recover to recover it. There is a free version that has a 2GB recovery limit, which may well be enough for your needs. Get it here . (Full version costs $69.95 a month, cancel at any time, or $99.95 a year)

For details of some other apps that might help you recover your files, check out our round up of the best data recovery apps, which also includes Stellar Data Recovery , RecoverIt , Data Rescue .

Find AutoRecovery for older versions of Word

Since you might not have the latest bersion of Word we’ll detail the steps below for you to follow to locate that Word AutoRecovery folder.

How to find the AutoRecovery folder in Word 2016

Here’s how to find AutoRecover in Word 2016:

・In Word 2016, the AutoRecovery folder is buried deep in the system and requires your Mac to display hidden files, so the first step is to reveal these secret folders, to do so we recommend following our advice at the link below, although the key combination to use is cmd + shift + . (full stop). Read: How to show hidden files and folders on a Mac.

・With this done you’ll need to open Finder then click on the Home icon in the left-hand column (it’s usually your name). Now navigate to the following folder:

Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Word/Data/Library/Preferences/AutoRecovery/

・If you have any AutoRecovery files then they will be in here. One thing to remember is that AutoRecovery files are temporary and only exist if they think that Word shut down unexpectedly. So, if you clicked Don’t Save rather than Save when you were closing the document there won’t be an AutoRecovery file for it.

How to find the AutoRecovery folder in Word 2011

If you are using Word 2011 it’s easy to locate the AutoRecovery folder:

・Click on the File option in the Menu bar then search for Autorecover.

・If you use Word often then there might be a few different Autorecover files, so check the date to see which one matches your missing item.

・Once you’ve found the document just click on it to open it up, then remember to save it again under a new name.

Even if you don’t find your document in the AutoRecovery folder, it may not be the case that it isn’t there. Files in the AutoRecover folder don’t always show up.

We have first-hand experience of this. In the past, our Mac has ‘helpfully’ saved a Word document in the Office 2011 AutoRecovery folder. This would not be an issue, except for the fact that when we then accessed the folder (just a quick search in Spotlight for Office 2011 AutoRecovery) the files were nowhere to be seen.

As you can see from this screen grab, the most recent file in our AutoRecovery folder was from 5 March, but we know that there are more recent files saved there.

The problem with the AutoRecovery file is that it is located in a Library folder that isn’t visible by default, and that will have some impact on whether your files are visible or not. Fortunately, there is a way to locate the file.

How to view files in Office 2011 AutoRecovery folder

・Go to the Finder, and press Alt (or Option) while selecting Go from the menu at the top of the page. This will make the Library folder visible (if you don’t press Alt you won’t see it – and you have to keep Alt pressed or it will vanish).

・Click on Library to open the Libray folder.

・Locate the following folder: Application Support > Microsoft > Office > Office 2011 AutoRecovery.

・When you see the Office 2011 in this view you should be able to locate your file.

Recover old versions of documents via Time Machine

While Word has its own Version History that only works if you have saved the file at some point. Plus, if you have subsequently deleted the document by accident you can’t open it to open an older version.

In that case, you could try Time Machine.

If you have a Time Machine backup on an external drive you can roll back to a time when a deleted or corrupted file was still on your system.

・Go to the folder where you’d hope to see your file, or an earlier version of your file.

・Open Time machine and flick back through the day, weeks or months to see if your file is there. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for you.

・Follow our Complete guide to Time Machine for instructions on how to recover your files.

If you are unfortunate enough not to have a backup routine then we suggest beginning one immediately. Macs are very reliable machines, but there is always a risk of something going wrong, so it’s best to protect yourself against potential disaster.

Try looking at our How to back up a Mac feature that highlights several solutions for this essential practice.

What if you never saved your file – if in a moment of madness, you clicked on Don’t Save rather than Save? It happens! Can you retrieve your file?

Recover lost docs from the Temporary folder

Your Mac also has a folder where it might temporarily keep files. The Temporary folder isn’t easy to find though.

To find the Temporary folder, use Terminal (find it in Applications > Utilities > Terminal, or Spotlight search for Terminal by pressing Command + Space.

・Open Terminal

・Type: open $TMPDIR

・Press Enter.

Inside this TMP folder, you should find a folder called Temporaryitems. It’s possible that your document might be inside.

Tips to avoid lost Word files

Avoid this nightmare happening again – follow the tips below.

Save first, save often

It goes without saying that you should save frequently especially if your Mac can be a bit unreliable.

You may be able to rely on Word autosaving for you, but remember that you have to save the file first to really benefit from Autosave.

Change the autosave frequency

A helpful thing to know is that you can reduce the gaps between autosaves on Word for Mac. By default they are set at ten minute intervals, but it’s easy to make them more frequent.

In Word go up to the Menu bar at the top of the screen and click on Word. From the dropdown menu select Preferences and then in the Output and Sharing section you’ll see a disk icon named Save. Click this and you’ll now be able to adjust the time between saves by entering a value into the ‘Save every X minutes’ box at the bottom.

While it might be tempting to set it as low as possible, bear in mind that Word’s performance could be be hampered slightly if it’s saving every minute, especially if you are working on a large file. Experiment to see what setting works best for you.

You may also find one of these articles helpful: How to recover deleted files.

Want to get to know Word better? Read our Top tips for Word for Mac .

[Manually/Automatically] – Recover Lost/Unsaved Adobe After Effects Projects

If you are an Adobe After Effects user, you know how difficult things can get if the AEP file, especially if it contains a project, goes missing .

Such incidents usually occur when your PC is under duress, bothered by a virus, you forget to save a file, there is a sudden power cut, or the system crashes. If you have lost the AEP file, do not worry. Unlike other users who have tried recovering unsaved and deleted Adobe After Effects Project files by different means but have been unsuccessful, you will be successful.

Even though recovering AEP project files is not easy, we have ways and an amazing tool to help you restore them.

Click Here to jump to the recovery methods.

What are AEP Files? An Overview

After Effects Project (AEP) is primarily a video project linked with Adobe After Effects, VFX, motion graphics, and visual effects software that allows you to create motion graphics, add video effects to an existing clip, and edit special effects videos.

When you work on AEP project files, your project is in layers and assets, and the file is saved in binary format with the AEP extension.

Because these files contain such important information, they become heavy in size. If you do not know about this, you might accidentally delete them, which can have adverse consequences. Therefore, i t is necessary to keep these AEP files safe and learn ways to recover deleted or unsaved AEP files. 

Ways to Recover AEP Files on Your PC

Irrespective of how you lost AEP files, whether you unknowingly deleted the After Effects Projects or lost them due to a malware attack, you can try a few tricks to recover them.

Important : As soon as you realize that you have lost a file, whether AEP or any other, we strongly recommend that you instantly stop using the PC because the more operations you perform, the more you reduce the chances of recovery.

Problem –

I forgot to save my After Effects Project and the PC restarted.

Solution –

Recover unsaved files using built-in features of Adobe After Effects.

Method 1 – Autosave Feature

Considering human errors, Adobe offers an auto-save feature that helps keep data intact despite a sudden system crash.

Note : If the feature is enabled, the file you forgot to save will be saved. Adobe After Effects keeps saving files at regular intervals.

Steps to Recover Unsaved File Via AutoSave

• Launch After Effects.
• You will see a dialogue box on the screen as the software opens. Click OK. If the autosave feature is enabled, After Effects will open a recovered version of your unsaved file.
• Go to File > Save As and save the recovered file.

If the file doesn’t open but you know the feature is enabled, follow the above steps to go to autosave settings. Here, you will find the auto-save folder path. Use it to navigate the folder to find the automatically saved AEP file.

Please open it and save it as a regular project file to prevent its loss again.

Step 3—The folder that opens contains all your temporary files. Do not be intimidated, as thousands of files may be in it.

Step 2—Launch the recovery tool and select the area to be scanned. Next, select the drive and click the Start Scan Now button.

A creative tech-writer who loves to explore latest tech-trends & convey them to his readers in the simplest way possible. He loves to blend the crispness of technology with a pinch of creativity while curating best practices for the readers. In his free time, he likes to scribble poetry, listen to rap & travel.

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