How to save Excel sheet?

Question

My recent files have disappeared, how to save correctly Excel sheets on my personal account?

Answer 1

The answer depends on whether you are using the free online version of Microsoft 365, in which case your files are being saved to your OneDrive, or if you are using a paid subscription to Microsoft 365, in which case your files are saved by default to your OneDrive unless you chose to save them to your hard drive by opening any app and going to File > Options > Save.

Answer 2

Hi Lena,

The files might have cleared up with something.

If you press CTRL + O, and navigate to the documents folder, are you able to find your files?

Also let me know if Onedrive is configured. More on that later if you cannot find the files

I’m eager to hear back and work together to find a solution.

Answer 3

To save Excel workbooks correctly on a personal Microsoft 365 account and make them easy to find again, use the File tab and choose an appropriate location, preferably OneDrive so AutoSave and recent files work reliably.

1. Open the workbook in Excel.
2. Select File > Save As (for a new file or to change location/name) or File > Save (to update an existing file).
3. Under Save As / Location:
   • To save to the cloud with a personal account, choose OneDrive – Personal.
   • To save only on the device, choose This PC and then a folder.
4. If needed, select Browse to open File Explorer and pick the exact folder.
5. Enter a file name and confirm the Save as type (for example, Excel Workbook (*.xlsx)).
6. Click Save.

When signed in and saving to OneDrive or SharePoint, files are saved there by default and AutoSave is enabled, so changes are continuously saved and the workbook should appear in Excel’s Recent list and in File Explorer’s recent files (if that Windows feature is turned on).

If recent files seem to disappear again, always confirm:

• The workbook is saved to the same OneDrive or local folder that is normally used.
• The file is saved in a modern format such as .xlsx or .xlsm, which works best with connected features like AutoSave and modern experiences.

---

References:

• Save your workbook
• Save, back up, and recover a file in Microsoft Office
• Help protect your files in case of a crash
• Troubleshoot why Excel doesn't save changes