Using the AutoSave option in Excel can help you make changes to a file on OneDrive. Don’t worry if you are not connected to OneDrive, still you have the option to use the AutoRecover feature. AutoRecover option is an advanced feature that saves files even when you are working so that the file is saved for future use.
Here in this post, you will get to know how to find Excel AutoSave locations when you are not aware of them.
5 Ways to Find Excel AutoSave Location
Here we will be using a workbook containing data from a company. Using this workbook data, we will find out where Excel AutoSave files are stored. With the Excel AutoSave option, you will notice that a file gets saved in case your system crashes so that you can restore it.
Open OneDrive to Find AutoSaved Files
Usually, files get saved in a OneDrive personal account with the AutoSave feature. OneDrive is not a third-party tool nor separate software that demands installation. In fact, it is the storage option used in Microsoft. Your file automatically uploads in OneDrive once you turn on the AutoSave option while creating a new sheet in Excel. Below are some easy-to-follow steps that help you in finding the location of AutoSaved file.
- Click on the File tab, first of all.
- Now, click on the Open tab.
- Double-click on OneDrive and then Personal.
- You will find out the auto-saved files right away.
- An open window lets you find out the file location as well as the saved file.
Locate Stored Files in Excel with Manage Workbook Feature
Using the Manage Workbook feature, you can locate the current unsaved file in Excel. For more clearance, follow the steps given below:
- First, open Excel.
- Now, open the ribbon and choose the File tab.
- From the menu, click on Info and choose the Manage Workbook option.
- Click on Recover Unsaved Workbooks.
After this step, you will see a window opens in which your auto-saved files are located. If you don’t see any file in this window, it shows there are no power failures or sudden system shutdowns that’s why no file is auto-saved. On the other hand, if a file is saved, you will find the Document Recovery option given on the left side.
From the Document Recovery option folder, you can find the files.
Locate AutoSaved Files with Windows Search Bar
Using the Windows Search Bar, you can locate the Autosaved files in Excel. For this, we have some easy-to-follow steps:
- Open the Search Bar on your PC.
- Add a restore file and the option Restore your files with File History will appear.
- Now, click on this option and your auto-saved files will appear.
How to Disable AutoSave in Excel
The AutoSave option is activated by default and you have to disable it from the settings. To disable this option, let’s follow the steps:
- Open the File menu and then choose Options.
- Click on the Office button and choose Excel Options in 2007 Excel.
- Click on the Save button given on the left side and uncheck the Save AutoRecover information x minutes box from the Save Workbooks menu.
- Press the OK button.
From now onwards, the files will not get saved automatically and you have to save by yourself.
How to Change AutoSave Location in Excel
Generally, auto-saving folders contain the AutoRecover workbooks and auto-saving folders are C:\Users\%username%\AppDataRoaming\Microsoft\Excel\.
Though finding an AutoSave file could be annoying at times, however, you can change the location of auto-saved files quickly by following the steps given below:
- Click the File tab.
- Choose Options from this menu and a dialog box will appear.
- Click the Save button located on the left side.
- Find the option Save AutoRecover information every x minutes in the Save Workbooks group.
- From the AutoRecover file location section, you have to eliminate the original path so that you can enter a new AutoSave location.
- Click OK.
Now, your files will get auto-saved in the new location you have added here.
Final Thoughts
Here in this post, you have come through 5 different methods to find the Excel AutoSave location. And now, hopefully, you know about this trick better and even you can share it with others as well. You know how to change the AutoSave location and how you can disable the AutoSave option. Both of these methods are highly useful because of their significance. Keep trying these methods and continue sharing them with your fellows.