The sure-shot but a little complex method is through a data recovery software. But, there is an easier and much simpler way to retrieve them with Microsoft Word Settings.
How to Retrieve a Deleted Document in Word
Usually, when you accidentally close a word document, you can find the recover option is available on a new word document. However, you can also use other alternatives to get your file back.
From Recycle Bin
Small files, such as word documents, that are deleted are not permanently lost, but instead remain in the recycle bin. The most basic way of retrieving such Word documents is by restoring them from the recycle bin. You can follow the steps mentioned below to do so.
On Windows
On Mac
After restoring the deleted document, it will return to the previous file location where it was before you deleted it. Also, you can permanently delete the file from the Recycle bin and Trash.
From Document Recovery
Word can close without saving if there are issues such as system malfunctions, power outage, or if you close it mistakenly. In such a case, you may be able to recover your lost data using the recovery options available immediately after you open Word. So, follow the steps mentioned below to do so.
From Temporary Files
Microsoft keeps temporary files and previous versions of word documents on your computer. You can access the Versions function to recover previous or unsaved versions of your Word document. So, follow the methods mentioned below to recover your file with the help of temporary files. There is a Save As button available below the taskbar to immediately save the folder once you recover it using the steps mentioned above.
From One Drive
With OneDrive, you can sync and back up your Word documents to the Microsoft cloud. With the sync enabled, you can recover the Word file you deleted within 30 days of deleting it. So, follow the method mentioned below to retrieve your file from OneDrive.
From AutoRecover Files
The Options menu on Word takes you to the settings options of your Word document. You can use the save tab from the settings to enable or disable the Auto Recover feature. You can manage other saving options, such as Auto Recover file location and saving time as well. You can use the steps mentioned below to retrieve your unsaved documents from the AutoRecover Files option. The Autorecover unsaved files feature on Word is set to save your document every 10 minutes by default. You can change this time to a smaller number to provide better protection for your documents. For this, click on the time box on Save Autorecover information every section after step four mentioned above.
