{"id":41696,"date":"2025-09-17T11:08:55","date_gmt":"2025-09-17T11:08:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adviksoft.com\/blog\/?p=41696"},"modified":"2025-09-17T11:52:09","modified_gmt":"2025-09-17T11:52:09","slug":"recover-permanently-deleted-excel-files","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adviksoft.com\/blog\/recover-permanently-deleted-excel-files\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Recover Permanently Deleted Excel Files in Windows 11?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you ever accidentally deleted your Excel sheet and then emptied the Recycle Bin? Losing an important Excel file can feel frustrating, especially if it has business records, financial data, or project details. The first thought is: \u201cCan I recover permanently deleted Excel files?\u201d<\/p>\n

The good news is that in many cases, you can. In this article, we\u2019ll explain simple methods to recover deleted or lost Excel files in Windows 11. We\u2019ll cover manual fixes like checking backups, using File History, AutoRecover, and then move to advanced recovery when manual methods don\u2019t work.<\/p>\n

\n

Can You Recover Permanently Deleted Excel Files?<\/h2>\n

Yes, in most cases you can. Even if an Excel file is permanently deleted (Shift + Delete or Recycle Bin emptied), Windows may still keep a copy in backups, AutoRecover, or in storage sectors that can be retrieved using recovery tools.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Now, we will look into the methods to recover accidentally or permanently deleted Excel files with so much ease.<\/p>\n

Methods to Retrieve Deleted Excel Files from PC<\/h2>\n

Check out different ways to get back your lost or deleted Excel files safely.<\/p>\n

Method 1. Recover Permanently Deleted Excel files from Recycle Bin<\/h3>\n

If you recently deleted the Excel file:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Open Recycle Bin from desktop.<\/li>\n
  2. Search for your Excel sheet.<\/li>\n
  3. Right-click >> Restore<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \"Recover<\/p>\n

    Your file will go back to its original location.<\/p>\n

    What if the Excel File is Not in Recycle Bin?<\/strong><\/p>\n

    If your file is permanently deleted and not found in Recycle Bin, backups, or AutoRecover, you\u2019ll need to use a data recovery tool.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    Method 2. Restore from File History or Backup<\/h3>\n

    If you had File History\/Backup enabled:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Go to the folder where the Excel file was stored.<\/li>\n
    2. Right-click >> Restore previous versions<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
    3. Choose a version and restore<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      \"Restore<\/p>\n

      Works in Windows 10 and 11 if File History was set up.<\/p>\n

      Method 3. Use Excel AutoRecover<\/h3>\n

      Microsoft Excel saves temporary copies of files.<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Open Excel.<\/li>\n
      2. Go to File > Info > Manage Workbook > Recover Unsaved Workbooks.<\/strong><\/li>\n
      3. Check the list and restore your file if available.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        \"recover<\/p>\n

        This method works best when your Excel is closed suddenly without saving.<\/p>\n

        Method 4. Check OneDrive or Cloud Backups<\/h3>\n

        If your Excel was synced to OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox:<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Log in to your account.<\/li>\n
        2. Open the Recycle Bin\/Trash<\/strong> inside the cloud service.<\/li>\n
        3. Restore the deleted Excel sheet.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Drawbacks of Manual Methods<\/strong><\/p>\n