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How to Recover Previous Version of Excel File

By  //  September 19, 2024

People with experience working in the organization are well aware of the importance of Excel sheets.

Excel is a widely used tool in all sizes of organizations for data tracking and financial management. Since it is used widely, users often face technical problems, especially when it comes to recovering previous versions of Excel. In this article, we will provide comprehensive information about techniques for recovery of both saved and unsaved data, as well as frequently asked questions.

Part 1: Is it possible to restore previous versions of Excel files?

Of course! Excel files from prior versions can be obtained under certain conditions. The Microsoft Office “previous version” feature is popular for this. This functionality only works with file history enabled. Restoring Excel files requires the appropriate settings.

Part 2: How to restore previous versions of Excel files without saving

Solution 1: Using AutoRecover to restore Excel to a previous version

AutoRecover is fantastic for Excel file recovery without saving. If enabled, this functionality saves and recovers documents automatically. Allow automatic recovery. Follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Open the document and select File > Options. Select “Save” on the left.
  • Step 2: Select “Minutes” and specify AutoRecover recording frequency.
  • Step 3: Save changes with “OK”.

Solution 2: Recover Excel from temporary TMP file

.Temporary files like TMP help rescue older Excel files. Windows 10 users can access the temporary files folder:

  • C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\UnsavedFiles\
  • This is for Windows 7:
  • C:\Users\Username\AppData\RoamingMicrosoft\Excel(Word)\

Solution 3: Restore Excel to a previous version using the version history under data

Along with past solutions, Excel’s workbook feature lets users restore earlier versions. So how:

  • Step 1. Open Excel and select File > Info.
  • Step 2: From the “Recover Unsaved Worksbooks” menu in the Data Tab, select “Manage Workbooks”.
  • Step 3: Open the file in the next window. Keep unsaved Excel files on your computer to retrieve them.

Part 3: How to restore previous versions of Excel files after saving

Solution 1: Restore Excel to a previous version using the previous version under Properties

After saving an Excel file, utilize the file properties and previous version tool to recover it. This may be done with file history enabled. Follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Right-click the Excel file and choose “Properties”.
  • Step 2: In the “Properties” box, pick the “Previous Version” tab, select the version, and click “Restore”.

Solution 2: Restore Excel to an earlier version using Manage Workbook

Another excellent technique to recover old Excel files on Windows 10 utilizing the Workbook feature is:

  • Step 1: Open the newest version file and select “Manage Workbook” under File > Information in the “Information” tab.
  • Step 2: Select the appropriate file version under “Manage Workbook” and click “Restore”.

Bonus Tip: Recover previous versions of Excel files with Data Recovery Tool

In unfortunate situations such as mistaken deletion or mysterious disappearance of Excel files, a reliable excel recovery software can save lives. WinfrGUI is a graphical version of Windows File Recovery developed by Microsoft Corporation, which makes the recovery process easier without requiring complicated commands. Here are the features of Winfr GUI:

  • Easy recovery of deleted or missing files such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.
  • Supports file recovery from Windows, USB flash drive, SD card, external hard drive and so on.
  • Ability to repair accidentally deleted formatting errors, RAW file system problems and damage.
  • Supports more than 1000 types of information including photos, videos, audio and documents.
  • Fast scanning and strong data security during the recovery process.

To recover lost Excel files using WinfrGUI, follow these steps:

  • Select Location: Select the missing or deleted Excel file address drive using WinfrGUI. Select the file type to be scanned in the following window.
  • Scan for deleted Excel files: Allows WinfrGUI to scan the drive for recoverable files.
  • View Sample and Recover Deleted Excel Files: Select the Excel file you want to recover from files received after scanning. Click on “Recover” to restore deleted excel files.
  • With WinfrGUI, you can apologize for the problem of missing Excel files and enjoy the convenience of smooth recovery at your fingertips. It can also be used to recover deleted Word documents in a similar way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Previous Excel Files

Can I recover the Excel file I saved?

Yes, there are several ways to recover saved Excel files:

  • Recover Excel to a previous version using the previous version property under Properties
  • Restore Excel to a previous version using a workbook manager feature

How can I recover saved files?

You can recover saved files using the previous version tool or the workbook management features available in all Office applications.

Why is there no earlier version of my Excel file?

If you could not find the previous version of the Excel file, it may be because you did not enable the file history property.

How do I get back to the latest Excel file?

There are several ways to restore your Excel file to the latest version:

  • Recover Excel to an earlier version using the previous version properties in the Properties section.
  • Recover Excel to its previous version through Workbook Manager
  • Recover Excel to the previous version from file.TMP

How can I recover the previous version of Excel files on Mac?

For Mac users, open the file and go to File > Back to > Find all versions. Select the desired version and click OK.