Where does excel store temp files​

Microsoft Excel is a powerhouse when it comes to data management, analysis, and computation. Professionals and casual users alike rely heavily on its functionality. But as complex as Excel is, one question often arises when users face crashes, unsaved changes, or data loss: Where does Excel store its temporary files?

1. What Are Excel Temporary Files?

Temporary files, often referred to as temp files, are files created by software to temporarily hold data while tasks are being performed. In Excel, these files can serve several purposes:

Autosave backups

AutoRecover files

Cached data

Clipboard content

Recovery support after a crash

Intermediate data for complex operations

These files typically have extensions like .tmp, .bak, or lack conventional file extensions altogether. Though often invisible to users, they play a vital role in maintaining data integrity and stability.

2. Why Excel Creates Temporary Files

Excel generates temporary files for various reasons:

AutoRecover: Helps restore files if Excel or the computer crashes.

Version Control: Manages multiple versions in Office 365 or shared workspaces.

Clipboard Usage: Stores copied/cut content for reuse.

Concurrent Edits: Tracks changes when multiple users work on shared files.

Preventing Data Loss: Offers fallback files for unsaved changes.

These files may be deleted automatically after use, but sometimes they remain on the system—especially if the application crashes.

3. Excel Temporary File Locations on Windows

Depending on the scenario, Excel stores temporary files in multiple locations. Here are the most common:

A. AutoRecover File Location (Default)

AutoRecover files are generated to preserve unsaved changes at regular intervals.

Path:

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C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Excel\

You can access it via:

Open File Explorer.

Paste this into the address bar:

%AppData%\Microsoft\Excel\

Press Enter.

These files often have names like ~arXXXX.tmp or begin with “AutoRecovery save of…”.

B. Unsaved File Location (Manage Workbook)

If Excel closes without saving, you may be able to recover the file from the UnsavedFiles folder.

Path:

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C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\UnsavedFiles\

To check this manually:

Press Win + R to open Run.

Type:

%LocalAppData%\Microsoft\Office\UnsavedFiles\

Press Enter.

This folder stores .asd or .xlsb files depending on how the autosave is configured.

C. Temporary File Cache (.tmp files)

Excel frequently writes .tmp files during usage—when opening, editing, or saving.

Paths to look at:

System Temp folder:

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

Session-specific folder:

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C:\Windows\Temp\

To access:

Open Run (Win + R).

Enter %temp% or C:\Windows\Temp.

Press Enter.

Sort by date to find recently created or modified temp files.

These .tmp files may be named randomly or include parts of your original filename. They often lack file extensions.

D. Office Document Cache

Excel files synced with OneDrive or SharePoint generate cached versions for performance and offline access.

Path:

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C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\16.0\OfficeFileCache\

Note: The version number (16.0) may vary based on your Office version:

Office 2016/2019: 16.0

Office 2013: 15.0

Office 2010: 14.0

You may need to enable hidden items in File Explorer to access these folders.

E. Temporary Internet Files (Excel Online)

If you’re using Excel in the browser (Excel Online), your downloaded files and autosaves may reside in:

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C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\

Alternatively:

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

These are usually managed by your browser, but Excel web downloads can leave traces here before being saved manually.

4. Excel Temporary File Locations on macOS

Excel for macOS follows a different file structure but still maintains temp files and AutoRecover backups.

A. AutoRecover Folder

Microsoft Excel for macOS saves AutoRecover files here:

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~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Excel/Data/Library/Preferences/AutoRecovery/

To access it:

Open Finder.

Press Command + Shift + G to bring up Go to Folder.

Paste the path and press Enter.

You’ll find files like:

AutoRecovery save of [filename].xlsx

.xlsx files with timestamp suffixes

B. Temporary Folder

Like Windows, macOS also uses a general temp directory.

Path:

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/private/var/folders/

This location is system-wide and complex. Temporary Excel files may reside in subfolders with randomized names. Navigating these requires admin access and some digging.

Use Terminal:

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open /private/var/folders/

Search for .tmp, .xlt, or recently modified Excel-related files.

5. How to Recover Unsaved Excel Files via Temp Files

If your file was closed unexpectedly or never saved manually, you might still be able to retrieve it using Excel’s AutoRecover and temp features.

Using Excel’s Interface (Windows)

Open Excel.

Go to File > Info > Manage Workbook > Recover Unsaved Workbooks.

Browse the files listed.

Open and Save As if it’s the right version.

Via File Explorer

Navigate to:

%LocalAppData%\Microsoft\Office\UnsavedFiles\

Locate files with extensions like .asd, .xlsb, or .tmp.

Change the extension to .xlsx if needed.

Try opening it with Excel.

On Mac:

Open Finder.

Go to:

~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Excel/Data/Library/Preferences/AutoRecovery/

Look for files with names beginning with AutoRecovery save of.

Open and resave with a proper name.

6. Scenarios When Temp Files Help

Here are common situations where locating Excel’s temp files may help:

Accidental closure without saving

→ Use AutoRecover location

Excel or system crash

→ Check %temp% and AutoRecover folder

File overwritten by mistake

→ Look in OfficeFileCache and UnsavedFiles

File recovery after reboot

→ Search for recently modified .tmp files

Missing file but recent edits

→ Explore OfficeFileCache and shadow copies

7. How Long Are Excel Temp Files Retained?

AutoRecover Files: Deleted when Excel closes normally.

Unsaved Workbooks: Kept for 4 days by default.

System Temp Files: Periodically cleared by OS.

Office File Cache: Maintained until manually cleared or cache corruption.

If Excel crashes, temp files may stay indefinitely unless manually removed or replaced.

8. Tools to Help Locate Excel Temp Files

If you’re having trouble finding temp files manually, consider using tools like:

Everything (Windows): Index-based file search tool

Disk Drill: Includes a file recovery and search feature

Mac Spotlight or Finder Smart Folders: Can track .tmp or .xls* files

PowerShell (Windows): For advanced file search by date/extension

9. Pro Tips for Managing Excel Temp Files

Enable AutoRecover:

Go to File > Options > Save, set interval to 5 minutes or less.

Save frequently:

Press Ctrl + S often or enable AutoSave in Excel 365.

Use cloud storage:

OneDrive and SharePoint offer built-in version history.

Clear temp files safely:

Use Disk Cleanup or third-party cleaners to avoid clutter.

Keep backup copies:

Enable Always create backup under Save As > Tools > General Options.