How to Find Temporary Word Files

If Word closed before you saved, the best first step is still Word's built-in recovery menu. If that does not work, searching for temporary and AutoRecover files can sometimes help.

Start Inside Word

Before searching folders manually:

1. Open Word.
2. Go to File > Info.
3. Choose Manage Document.
4. Select Recover Unsaved Documents.

If Word finds a recoverable document, open it and save it immediately with Save As.

Check the AutoRecover Location

Word lets you view or change where AutoRecover files are stored:

1. Open Word.
2. Go to File > Options > Save.
3. Look for AutoRecover file location.
4. Copy that folder path.
5. Open it in File Explorer and look for recent files.

Microsoft's Word settings also let you change how frequently AutoRecover information is saved.

Search for Recovery File Types

In File Explorer, try searching for:

• `*.asd`
• `*.wbk`
• `~*`
• part of the document title
• a phrase you remember typing

Sort results by Date modified so recent recovery candidates appear first.

Do Not Edit the Only Recovered Copy

If you find a likely recovery file, open it and immediately save a separate copy. Keep the original recovery file untouched until you are sure the saved copy has the content you need.

When Temporary Files Will Not Help

Temporary files are not guaranteed. If AutoRecover was off, the document was open only briefly, or the computer continued writing new data after the crash, there may be no usable temporary copy.

Sources

• Microsoft Support: Change save frequency and where Word AutoRecovery files are stored
• Microsoft Support: Recover an earlier version of an Office file