Setup AutoRecover in Word 2016

How to Set Up AutoRecover in Word 2016?

Have you ever lost an important Word document because your computer suddenly crashed or you forgot to save? Don’t worry — Microsoft Word 2016 has a built-in feature called AutoRecover that can help you get your unsaved work back. Setting it up only takes a minute, and it can save you from big headaches later!

What is AutoRecover?

AutoRecover automatically saves a temporary copy of your file every few minutes while you work. If Word closes unexpectedly, you can use these copies to recover your document. By default, Word saves this information every 10 minutes, but you can change it to save more often.

Tip: It’s a good idea to set AutoRecover to save every 5 minutes for better protection.

Steps to Configure AutoRecover in Word 2016

  • Step 1: Open Microsoft Word 2016 on your computer.
  • Step 2: Click the File tab located at the top-left corner of the window.
  • Step 3: From the menu, select Options at the bottom.
  • Step 4: A dialog box will appear. Click the Save tab on the left side.
  • Step 5: Check the box next to Save AutoRecover information every.
  • Step 6: Enter the number of minutes you want Word to automatically save your file (for example, 5 minutes).
  • Step 7: Make sure the box next to Keep the last AutoRecovered version if I close without saving is also checked.
  • Step 8: Click OK to save your settings.

That’s it! Now, Word will automatically save your work based on your chosen time interval. If something goes wrong, you’ll have a recent version ready to restore.

How to Recover an Unsaved Document

If your computer crashes or you close Word accidentally, follow these steps to get your file back:

  • Open Microsoft Word again.
  • The Document Recovery pane will appear on the left side if autosaved versions are available.
  • Click the document you want to restore.

If you don’t see the recovery pane, try this:

  • Click the File tab.
  • Select Manage Versions → Recover Unsaved Documents.

Note: If you were working for less than 10 minutes (or your set AutoRecover time), there may not be a backup version.

5 FAQs of Setting Up AutoRecover in Word 2016

1. What does AutoRecover do in Word 2016?

AutoRecover saves temporary copies of your document at regular intervals, helping you recover unsaved work after a crash.

2. How often should I set AutoRecover to save?

It’s recommended to set it between 5 to 10 minutes for the best balance of safety and performance.

3. Where are AutoRecover files saved?

They are usually stored in a hidden folder on your system. You can check the path in File > Options > Save under “AutoRecover file location.”

4. Can AutoRecover replace manual saving?

No. AutoRecover helps recover data during crashes, but it doesn’t replace saving your work manually using Ctrl+S.

5. Does AutoRecover work for all Word files?

Yes, it works for all Word files unless the feature is disabled in your settings.

Conclusion

Setting up AutoRecover in Word 2016 is a small step that can prevent big losses. It quietly works in the background, keeping backup versions of your document safe. Take a minute to configure it — your future self will thank you!