Excel recovery (lost everything for 2026)

Katie 0 Reputation points
2026-06-30T14:19:16.65+00:00

all of my excel documents have disappeared for the yr 2026. I cannot find some of them. And others that I can find are either empty or only have some of the information that should be saved on them. I used Excel no problem last wk. Every thing opened up fine and all data was there. How do I find/recover that data. Very important information saved there b/c trusted Microsoft to keep my data. That's what have paid for

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For home | Windows
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  1. MUSTAFA SALAH 1,710 Reputation points
    2026-06-30T20:58:50.78+00:00

    Hello Katie,

    it is almost always caused by a Cloud Sync Disconnect (OneDrive logging into a wrong account or pausing sync) rather than file deletion. Check OneDrive Settings and confirm your settings First

    Same issue? check the following:-

    1. Web-Based Cloud Recycle Bin & Second Stage Recycle Bin
      Open "OneDrive Web Portal" & Click on Recycle Bin
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    2. Check the Local Cache:
      %AppData%\Microsoft\Excel\
      \AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\UnsavedFiles
    3. Since you mentioned using Excel with no issues last week, check if Excel or Windows ran a background update that accidentally signed you into a blank or secondary Microsoft account

    "Verify that you are signed with Correct Microsoft Account"

    There is no such an incident occurred like that (It must be a root cause) for the issue. I need your help to get more info.

    Try run the below RUN command to check your recent files:
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    Waiting for your feedback.

    Best,

    M.

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