PanicStation.org
UK USA
uk Technology & digital loss

What to do if…
an important unsaved document disappears after an app or computer crash

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Pause other work on the device. If the device is stable, reopen the same app once, check its recovery or recent-files view, and save every plausible recovered version under a new name before editing it.

Do not do these things

  • Do not save over the only plausible version you can find.
  • Do not close a recovered document before saving a separate copy.
  • Do not clear temporary files, app recovery data, the Recycle Bin, or the Bin yet.
  • Avoid repeated restarts and unnecessary work on the device while you check recovery options.
  • Do not reset or reinstall the app or operating system yet.
  • On a work, school, or managed device, do not install recovery or cleaning tools without speaking to the IT team.
  • Do not assume that an empty recovery screen means every version has gone.

What to do now

  1. Write down the app name, device, account, approximate crash time, possible document name, and where you expected the document to be saved. Photograph any error or recovery message before dismissing it.

  2. If the device is working normally, reopen the same app once. Look for a recovery pane, recovered documents, drafts, recent files, autosaved copies, or a restore prompt.

  3. Open each plausible recovered version and immediately use Save As, Save a Copy, or the app’s equivalent. Give every version a different name and do not replace another file.

  4. In supported desktop versions of Microsoft Word, try File > Info > Manage Document > Recover Unsaved Documents. Open any likely file and save it immediately.

  5. If the document had previously been saved in a Mac app that supports document versions, open it and try File > Revert To > Browse All Versions. Use Restore a Copy where available if you want to preserve the current version as well.

  6. If the work was in Google Docs, open the document on a computer and choose File > Version history > See version history. Check earlier versions and preserve the useful content without deleting the current version.

  7. If the document may have been saved or synced earlier, check the app’s recent-files list, Documents folder, Desktop, usual save folder, Recycle Bin or Bin, and the correct cloud account. In OneDrive, iCloud Drive, Google Drive, or another service, check recent files, deleted items, and version history where available.

  8. Check any backup system that was already running before the crash. Preserve a separate copy of anything you recover rather than replacing the only version you have.

  9. On a work, school, or managed computer, contact the IT team. Give them the app, device, account, approximate crash time, possible filename, and whether the document had ever been saved.

  10. If these checks find nothing and the document is irreplaceable, avoid resetting, reinstalling, or cleaning the device before contacting the app provider’s official support or a trusted IT professional.

What can wait

You do not need to recreate the whole document, buy recovery software, change autosave settings, or decide that the work is permanently lost now. Prevention and backup changes can wait until the immediate recovery checks are complete.

Important reassurance

Some apps keep recovery files or earlier versions after an unexpected shutdown, although the newest changes may not be available. Saving each plausible version separately gives you the safest basis for comparing what remains.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate checks after an app or computer crash. Damaged storage, managed systems, confidential information, or complex recovery may require the app provider, an IT team, or a reputable data-recovery professional.

Important note

This is general information, not personalised technical or data-recovery advice. Available options depend on the app, operating system, account, storage device, backup settings, and whether the document had previously been saved or synced.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

Support us