How to Restore Word Document

Written by: Learn Word

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How to Restore Word Document

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How to Restore a Word Document

Restoring a Word document you’ve accidentally closed without saving or have lost due to a program crash is a straightforward process that can save you important work and time. Microsoft Word comes with built-in features like AutoRecover and Document Recovery to help with such situations. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use these features to get your document back.

Quick summary

  • Check the Document Recovery pane that automatically appears when you open Word after a crash.
  • Use the AutoRecover function by searching for .asd files on your computer.
  • Manually recover unsaved documents from Word’s “Recover Unsaved Documents” feature.
  • Explore previous versions of the document in Windows for a chance to restore an earlier version.

Utilizing the Document Recovery Pane

At LearnWord.io, our trusted advice begins with leveraging the Document Recovery pane. After an unexpected shutdown or crash, when you reopen Microsoft Word, look for the Document Recovery pane on the left side. Here, Word attempts to save all open documents at the time of the crash. Simply select your document and save it immediately.

Finding AutoRecover Files

Microsoft Word’s AutoRecover feature periodically saves a backup copy of your document as you’re working on it. In case you can’t find your document in the Document Recovery pane, you can search for AutoRecover files manually. To do this, open a new Word document, go to File > Options > Save, and note the AutoRecover file location. Then, navigate to this location in File Explorer and look for files with the .asd extension. Double-click on an .asd file to open it in Word.

Recovering Unsaved Documents

If you closed a document without saving it, there’s still hope. Go to File > Info > Manage Document(s), and select “Recover Unsaved Documents.” This will open a directory with unsaved files. Find your document, open it, and make sure to save it immediately.

Restoring Previous Versions of a Document

Windows has a feature that may have saved a previous version of your document. Right-click the file in File Explorer, select “Properties,” and then the “Previous Versions” tab. If there are available versions, select the most relevant one and click “Restore.”

Conclusion

Restoring a Word document doesn’t have to be a stressful process. By following these tips from LearnWord.io, you can quickly recover your documents in various scenarios. Remember to enable AutoSave and regularly back up your work to prevent future losses.

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Bill Whitman from Learn Word

I'm Bill Whitman, the founder of LearnWord.io, where I combine my passion for education with my deep expertise in technology. With a background in technology writing, I excel at breaking down complex topics into understandable and engaging content. I'm dedicated to helping others master Microsoft Word and constantly exploring new ways to make learning accessible to everyone.

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