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    Cómo Recuperar Documentos de Word No Guardados: 7 Métodos que Realmente Funcionan

    Callum Pierce
    Callum PierceTech Writer & Analyst

    Callum specializes in breaking down complex technology topics into easy-to-understand guides. He has a background in computer science and technical writing.

    January 10, 202512 min read
    12 min read
    Cómo Recuperar Documentos de Word No Guardados: 7 Métodos que Realmente Funcionan - Tutorial article cover image
    Cómo Recuperar Documentos de Word No Guardados: 7 Métodos que Realmente Funcionan

    Panic mode: Your Word document is gone. Maybe Word crashed, you accidentally closed without saving, or your computer shut down unexpectedly. Don't worry—your document can likely be recovered. This guide covers 7 proven methods to recover unsaved Word documents, from built-in recovery tools to hidden temp files.

    Act Fast!

    The sooner you attempt recovery, the better your chances. Avoid creating new files or installing software in the meantime.

    Method 1: Document Recovery Pane (Easiest)

    When Word crashes and you restart it, the Document Recovery pane should appear automatically on the left side.

    1

    Open Word

    After a crash, simply reopen Microsoft Word

    2

    Look Left

    The Document Recovery pane appears on the left side

    3

    Click to Recover

    Click on your document and save it immediately

    Word Document Recovery Pane showing available auto-recovered files after a crash
    Word Document Recovery Pane - Auto-recovery panel shown after crash

    Method 2: Recover Unsaved Documents

    Word has a built-in feature specifically for recovering unsaved documents:

    1

    Go to File → Info

    Open Word and navigate to File menu

    2

    Click "Manage Document"

    Select "Recover Unsaved Documents" from dropdown

    3

    Browse & Open

    Find your document in the UnsavedFiles folder

    File Info Manage Document menu in Microsoft Word showing Recover Unsaved Documents option
    File → Info → Manage Document menu in Microsoft Word

    Method 3: AutoRecover File Location

    Word automatically saves recovery files. Here's where to find them:

    Windows AutoRecover Location:

    C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Word\

    Mac AutoRecover Location:

    /Users/[YourName]/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Word/Data/Library/Preferences/AutoRecovery/

    Look for files with .asd extension and open them with Word.

    Method 4: Windows Temp Files

    Word creates temporary files while you work. Search for them:

    Temp File Location:

    C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Local\Temp\

    Search for files starting with "~" or ending in ".tmp"

    Method 5: Previous Versions (Windows)

    Windows keeps previous versions of files if System Restore is enabled:

    1. Navigate to the folder where the file was saved
    2. Right-click the folder → Properties
    3. Click "Previous Versions" tab
    4. Select a version and click "Restore"

    Method 6: OneDrive Version History

    If your file was synced to OneDrive, you can restore previous versions:

    1. Go to onedrive.com and sign in
    2. Right-click your document
    3. Select "Version history"
    4. Choose a previous version to restore

    Method 7: Recycle Bin Recovery

    If you accidentally deleted the file:

    1. Open Recycle Bin on your desktop
    2. Search for your document name
    3. Right-click → "Restore"
    Windows Run dialog showing AutoRecover and Temp file folder paths
    Windows File Explorer showing AutoRecover and Temp file locations

    Prevent Future Data Loss

    Enable AutoSave

    Turn on AutoSave for OneDrive/SharePoint documents for real-time saving.

    Reduce AutoRecover Interval

    File → Options → Save → Set AutoRecover to 1-2 minutes.

    Use Cloud Storage

    Save to OneDrive or SharePoint for automatic version history.

    Ctrl+S Habit

    Build the habit of pressing Ctrl+S (or Cmd+S) frequently while working.

    Word Options Save settings dialog showing AutoRecover interval and file location configuration
    Word Options → Save settings showing AutoRecover interval configuration
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