Your progress is saved in this browser. There’s no timer.
Before you start
- A word from the filename or the approximate date
- Any external drive used when saving
A clear way through this guide.
We’ll show you one step at a time. When you’re ready, press Done — next step. You can go back or take a break whenever you like.
5 steps · Your own pace
Find a saved document on Windows
Step 1 of 5: Check the app first
Open the app that created the document and look at its recent files. Open a promising result and check its location or Save As information. A shortcut may fail after a move or disconnection.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 2 of 5: Browse likely folders
Press Windows key + E for File Explorer. Check Documents, Downloads and Desktop, then any folder you normally use. Browser downloads often go to Downloads; documents may be in OneDrive.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 3 of 5: Search a known place
Open the likely folder and use File Explorer’s search box for part of the name. You can also use Search on the taskbar. Allow broader searches time to finish; they may not include disconnected or inaccessible locations.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 4 of 5: Check online and external locations
Reconnect an external drive if you used one, or sign in to the correct cloud account through its official app or website. Different accounts can contain different versions. Do not guess that every missing file was deleted.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 5 of 5: Confirm and record the location
Open the result and check its contents and modified date. Note its folder so you can find it again. If absent, inspect Recycle Bin and the service’s recovery tools before saving another file with the same name.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Take your time. Next marks this step done.
You’ve finished this guide.
Every step is complete. You can come back and practise again whenever you like.
Your small practice task.
Find a practice document and write down its folder name.
Completing the guide records your progress here; it does not check your device settings.
A common question.
Why can I see the name but not open the file?
It may be an online-only file, require another app or belong to a disconnected location. Check its storage and permissions.
Official help, if you need it.
These links provide the product’s own instructions or relevant public guidance. Settings can differ by model and software version.