After almost a decade, I might just transition back to Microsoft Word after learning about this cool trick that helps retrieve unsaved files manually
I can’t believe I’m just learning about this!
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
What you need to know
Throughout my school-going years, losing assignments was one of my biggest phobias. I know I’m not the only one who’s lost important and time-sensitive work while usingMicrosoft Word.
There are several ways that you can use to retrieve unsaved Word documents, including Word’s Document Recovery feature or its Recover Unsaved Documents option. 9 out of 10 times, both of these methods usually work (even if you lose a bit of progress at times). But sometimes, these efforts might be rendered futile. It’s especially worse if you’ve not enabled the autosave feature.
Interestingly, while scrolling through X(formerly Twitter) I stumbled on a cool tip from the@cooltechtipzpage to help out with this specific issue:
“If you accidentally close a Word file without saving, no autosave either. Just search .asd into the File Explorer under My/This PC. The document will be there, Windows has your back!”
Did you know? pic.twitter.com/G9kH4tPMLOMay 30, 2024
While this trick isn’t new, it seems to have caught many users (including me) by surprise going by the reactions on the post. To retrieve unsaved Word documents, click on the Start icon on your Windows 11 taskbar and enter .asd in the search bar. Voila! You’ll now have access to the lost and unsaved Word document, saving you time and resources that would’ve been spent doing the project all over again.
Once you find any Word file with the .asd extension, head back to Microsoft Word and click on theFileoption at the top and select theOpen and Browsetabs. Next, select theAll filesoption in the drop-down menu to find the unsaved .asd file.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
Kevin Okemwa is a seasoned tech journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya with lots of experience covering the latest trends and developments in the industry at Windows Central. With a passion for innovation and a keen eye for detail, he has written for leading publications such as OnMSFT, MakeUseOf, and Windows Report, providing insightful analysis and breaking news on everything revolving around the Microsoft ecosystem. You’ll also catch him occasionally contributing at iMore about Apple and AI. While AFK and not busy following the ever-emerging trends in tech, you can find him exploring the world or listening to music.
