[Fixed] How to Recover Unsaved Word Document on Windows 10/11

In the realm of data recovery, 4DDiG Data Recovery emerges as a reliable solution for those who find themselves in the unfortunate situation of losing unsaved Word documents. This tool meticulously scans both the default AutoRecover folder and various other locations to retrieve lost files. Its features are designed with user-friendliness in mind, allowing even those without technical expertise to navigate the recovery process effortlessly.

Features of 4DDiG Data Recovery

• Effortlessly recovers corrupted, deleted, unsaved, or formatted MS Office files with just a few clicks.
• Boasts an impressive success rate and offers a free trial for users to evaluate its capabilities.
• Provides a preview of files before restoration, ensuring users can select the correct documents.
• Compatible with a variety of storage devices, including PCs, laptops, USB drives, and SD cards.
• Fully functional on Windows operating systems, including versions 7, 8, 10, and 11.
• No technical skills are required to utilize the software.

To recover an unsaved Word document using 4DDiG, follow these straightforward steps:

1. Install and Launch: Begin by installing the tool on your Windows machine. Select the drive where the unsaved documents were lost—typically the C: drive—and click “Scan” to initiate the process.
2. Locate Unsaved Documents: After the scan completes, navigate to the “Type” tab in the left panel and select “Unsaved Documents” to find your lost files.
3. Preview and Recover: Preview the files you wish to restore, then click “Recover” to save them to a secure location on your computer.

Alternative Recovery Options

Using Built-in Features

Microsoft Word includes an AutoRecover feature that can assist in recovering unsaved documents, provided it was activated prior to the loss. Here’s how to utilize it:

1. Document Recovery Pane: Reopen Word. If a Recovery panel appears, it will display files marked [Recovered] or [Original]. Click on a file and use “Save As” to keep it permanently.
2. If the Panel Doesn’t Appear: Navigate to “File,” select “Info,” then tap “Manage Document,” and choose “Recover Unsaved Documents.” Locate and open the desired file, then click “Save As” to retain it.

Manual Search for Backup Files

If AutoRecover does not yield results, you can manually search for backup files. AutoRecover files typically have a “.asd” extension, while backup files have a “.wbk” extension. To recover these files:

1. Open “File Explorer” and enter the path: C:UsersUserAccountAppDataLocalMicrosoftOfficeUnsavedFiles.
2. Look for “.asd” and “.wbk” files. To open an “.asd” file, go to Word > File > Open > Browse, and set the file type to “All Files (.*).”
3. Select the desired “.asd” file and open it, then use “Save As” to convert it to a “.docx” format.
4. For “.wbk” files, simply rename the file extension to “.docx” to access them.

Recovering from Temporary Files

Word creates temporary files with a “.tmp” extension that may contain unsaved work. To retrieve these:

1. Open File Explorer and type the path: C:UsersYourUsernameAppDataLocalTemp.
2. Select the temporary Word files, right-click, and press “Ctrl + C” to copy them.
3. Navigate to your desired save location, right-click, and select “Ctrl + V” to paste the files.
4. Open the copied Word files to continue your work.

Preventing Future Losses

To avoid the stress of losing unsaved documents in the future, consider implementing the following proactive measures:

Enable AutoRecover

1. Open Microsoft Word and navigate to File > Options > Save.
2. Ensure that “Save AutoRecover information every X minutes” is checked.
3. Also, check the option “Keep the last AutoRecovered version if I close without saving.”

Always Create Backup Copy

1. Open Word and go to File > Options > Advanced.
2. Scroll down to the Save section and tick the box for “Always create backup copy.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover an unsaved Word document? The ability to recover an unsaved Word document hinges on whether the AutoRecover feature or backup settings were enabled. If files remain on your disk but are not found in the AutoRecover folder, a specialized tool like 4DDiG can assist in restoration.

How to recover unsaved Word document on Mac? For Mac users, open Word and navigate to the File menu, selecting Open Recent to find options for recovering unsaved documents. If unsuccessful, use Terminal to access temporary files in the TemporaryItems folder for potential recoverable copies.

Where are Word AutoSave files stored? The location of AutoSave files varies by operating system and Word version. Common paths include:

• On Windows:
  C:Users[Username]AppDataRoamingMicrosoftWord and
  C:Users[Username]AppDataLocalMicrosoftOfficeUnsavedFiles
• On Mac:
  ~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Word/Data/Library/Preferences/AutoRecovery/