If you lost your PowerPoint file due to a crash, accidental closure, or forgetting to save, don’t panic! Here are several ways to recover your work.
1. Check AutoRecover for Unsaved Files
PowerPoint has an AutoRecover feature that saves temporary copies of your work.
Steps to Recover an Unsaved File :
- Open PowerPoint.
- Go to File > Open > Recover Unsaved Presentations (at the bottom).
- Look for your missing file.
- Select the file and click Open.
- Save it immediately! (File > Save As)
* This works if PowerPoint crashed before you saved the file.
2. Restore from AutoSave (OneDrive Users)
If you were working on a OneDrive-synced file, AutoSave may have kept a recent version.
Steps to Recover an AutoSaved File :
- Open PowerPoint.
- Go to File > Info > Version History.
- Look for an earlier version of your presentation.
- Click Restore.
* OneDrive automatically saves your work every few minutes!
3. Search for Temporary PowerPoint Files (.TMP)
If AutoRecover didn’t work, try finding temporary files.
Steps to Find Temporary PowerPoint Files :
- Press Windows + R, type
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\UnsavedFiles, and hit Enter.
- Look for a file with a
.tmp extension.
- Rename the file and change the extension to
.pptx.
- Open it in PowerPoint.
* Replace “YourUsername” with your actual Windows username.
4. Check the Recycle Bin
You might have accidentally deleted the PowerPoint file.
Steps to Recover from Recycle Bin :
- Open the Recycle Bin.
- Look for your PowerPoint file.
- Right-click and select Restore.
* Files in the Recycle Bin can usually be recovered unless permanently deleted.
5. Restore from Previous Versions (Windows Backup)
If you had File History enabled, you might find a previous version.
Steps to Restore a Previous Version :
- Right-click the folder where the file was stored.
- Select Restore previous versions.
- Choose a version before the file was lost.
- Click Restore.
* This works if Windows backup was enabled.
6. Use Data Recovery Software (Last Resort)
If the file is permanently deleted, you can try file recovery software like:
- Recuva
- EaseUS Data Recovery
- Wondershare Recoverit
Steps :
- Install the recovery software.
- Scan the drive where the PowerPoint file was saved.
- Look for lost PowerPoint files and restore them.
* Use this if other methods don’t work!
Prevent Losing Files in the Future :
* Enable AutoSave (for OneDrive users).
* Set AutoRecover to save every 1 minute (File > Options > Save).
* Use OneDrive or Google Drive for automatic backups.
