Retrieving Deleted Word Document on Mac

Try these recovery paths on Mac for a Word document that now shows "This document is either deleted or not currently accessible."

1. Reopen Word and check for the Document Recovery pane.
   • If Word closed unexpectedly before, Word can automatically open recovered files the next time it starts.
   • If multiple versions appear, open the most recent one and save it immediately.
2. Check Word’s AutoRecovery folder in Finder.
   • In Finder, select Go > Go To Folder or press Shift + Command + G.
   • Enter this path: /Users/<username>/Library/Containers/com.Microsoft.Word/Data/Library/Preferences/AutoRecovery
   • Look for a file matching the missing document and open it in Word.
   • Save it immediately under a new name.
3. Check the alternate AutoRecovery location used by some Mac Word versions.
   • In Finder, use Go To Folder again.
   • Enter: /Users/<username>/Library/Containers/com.Microsoft/Data/Library/Preferences/AutoRecovery
   • If a recovered file is there, open and save it immediately.
4. If the document file itself opens but appears damaged, try Recover Text in Word.
   • Go to Word > Preferences.
   • Under Authoring and Proofing Tools, select General.
   • Turn on Confirm file format conversion at Open.
   • Go to File > Open.
   • In the Open menu, choose Recover Text.
   • Open the document.
5. Important limitation:
   • If the file was closed and Don’t Save was selected, the AutoRecover file is deleted.
   • If neither AutoRecovery folder contains the file and Document Recovery does not show it, recovery options are very limited.
6. For future protection:
   • Store Word files on OneDrive or SharePoint and use AutoSave.
   • AutoRecover saves recovery information periodically, but it is not a substitute for saving.

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