We've all been there. Closing a Word document only to realize you forgot to save it. Cue the sinking feeling in your stomach as you wonder if hours of work have just vanished into the digital ether. But fear not! Recovering a closed Word document might be easier than you think. Let's explore some practical methods to get your unsaved work back on track.
Why Autosave is Your Best Friend
First things first, let's talk about Autosave. This nifty feature can be a lifesaver. Microsoft Office 365 and Word 2016 (and later versions) offer an Autosave function that automatically saves your document every few seconds. If you haven't enabled it yet, it's time to make it your new best friend.
- How to Enable Autosave: If your document is stored in OneDrive or SharePoint, just toggle the Autosave switch in the top left corner of your Word window to "On." This ensures your document is continuously saved without you having to lift a finger.
- Benefits of Autosave: Beyond the obvious benefit of not losing your work, Autosave allows you to recover older versions of your document. If you accidentally delete a section, you can restore an earlier version with ease.
That said, Autosave works best when your documents are stored in the cloud. If you're working locally, you might still need a Plan B, which brings us to our next point.
Recovering from Temporary Files
Word creates temporary files as you work, and these can be a lifesaver if you accidentally close or crash out of your document. Here's how you can locate and use these temporary files to recover your work:
- Locating Temporary Files: Open File Explorer and navigate to
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Word
. If you don't see the AppData folder, you may need to enable hidden files in your File Explorer view settings. - Identifying the Right File: Look for files that have a .tmp extension or begin with a tilde (~) followed by a string of numbers. These are your temporary files. Open them in Word to see if they contain your unsaved work.
While not the most reliable method, checking temporary files is worth a shot. Especially if you're in a pinch.
Using Word's Built-In Document Recovery
Microsoft Word has a built-in recovery feature that often kicks in after unexpected shutdowns. When you reopen Word, it might automatically display a Document Recovery pane. If it does, you're in luck!
- How to Use Document Recovery: Simply select the document from the recovery pane. Word will often provide multiple versions of the document, so you can choose the most recent one.
- When it Works Best: This feature is most effective after a crash or power outage. It won't appear if you manually close the document without saving, so consider it a safety net rather than a cure-all.
If the recovery pane doesn't appear, don't worry. There are more tricks up our sleeve.

Searching for AutoRecover Files
Word also creates AutoRecover files, which are different from temporary files. These are created as a backup every few minutes while you work on a document. Here's how to find them:
- Finding AutoRecover Files: Open Word and go to File > Open > Recent. Scroll to the bottom and click on Recover Unsaved Documents. This will open a folder with any available AutoRecover files.
- Opening AutoRecover Files: These files have an .asd extension. Select the file you want to recover, and Word will open it for you.
AutoRecover files are a great fallback option, especially if you've closed a document without saving. Just remember, they only appear if Word was able to save them before the program was closed.
Checking Your Recycle Bin
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the ones we overlook. If you accidentally deleted a document instead of closing it, your Recycle Bin might still have it.
- Searching the Recycle Bin: Open the Recycle Bin from your desktop and look for your document. If you find it, right-click and select Restore to return it to its original location.
- When to Use This Method: This technique is most useful if you remember deleting the file but not permanently deleting it. Once the file is restored, you can open it in Word as if nothing ever happened.
Sometimes, the straightforward approach is the most effective. A quick check here can save you a lot of hassle.
Enabling File History on Windows
If you're using Windows, File History is a feature that can automatically back up versions of your files to an external drive. This can be a game-changer for document recovery.
- Setting Up File History: Connect an external drive to your computer. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup, and select Add a drive. Choose your external drive to start backing up files.
- Recovering Files: To recover a file, go to the folder where it was stored, select Home > History, and browse through previous versions of your file.
While File History requires a bit of setup, it's a powerful tool for ongoing peace of mind.
Using OneDrive's Version History
If you save your Word documents to OneDrive, you gain access to a handy feature called Version History. It's like a time machine for your documents, allowing you to revert to previous versions with ease.
- Accessing Version History: Go to OneDrive and sign in. Navigate to your document, right-click, and select Version History.
- Restoring an Older Version: Browse through the list of older versions, select the one you want, and click Restore to recover it.
OneDrive's Version History is a great safety net, especially if you're collaborating with others who might make changes to your document.
Trying Third-Party Recovery Software
If all else fails, you might consider using third-party recovery software. These tools can scan your computer for deleted or unsaved files and might just recover the document you need.
- Choosing the Right Software: Popular options include Recuva and EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard. Do some research to find the tool that best suits your needs.
- Using Recovery Software: Download and install the software, then follow the instructions to scan your computer for recoverable files.
While these tools can be a bit hit-or-miss, they're often worth a shot if you're out of other options.


How Spell Can Help
As a bonus tip, let's talk about Spell. With Spell, you can create and save documents in seconds, minimizing the risk of losing your work. Our AI-powered document editor is designed to make your writing process faster and more efficient, letting you focus on what matters. Your content.
Imagine Google Docs with an AI brain that helps you draft, refine, and collaborate—all in one place. Whether you're writing a report, a proposal, or a creative piece, Spell ensures your work is saved and secure.
Final Thoughts
Recovering a closed Word document doesn't have to be a nightmare. From Autosave and temporary files to OneDrive and third-party software, there are plenty of ways to get your work back. And with Spell, you can create, edit, and save documents faster than ever, reducing the risk of losing your hard work. Give it a try and let Spell help you write more efficiently.