How to Recover Unsaved/Deleted/Lost Visio Files

Visio is one of the most potent Microsoft tools available. It was designed to help you visualize and make your ideas come to life. You can organize your thoughts and watch your productivity grow. Whether you're seeking professional or personal management and organization, Vision might be your ideal tool.

However, things may not always go according to plan, and you may lose some of your ideas due to numerous technical factors. If you're currently in such a situation, we're here to help. You can check out the best solutions to recover Visio files in the text below.

Is It Possible to Recover an Unsaved Visio File?

Recovering unsaved Visio files may be complex, but it's far from impossible. You'll need the proper solutions and methods to complete this process and restore your data. For instance, most solutions will depend on whether you've turned on AutoSave.

Even if you haven't, you can still recover your files with a universal and powerful data recovery tool. We'll discuss this in a minute.

Is It Possible to Recover a Deleted, Lost, or Crashed Visio File?

Absolutely! Recovering deleted Visio files is possible in most data loss scenarios. For instance, if you've recently deleted the file, you can restore it from the Recycle Bin within seconds. However, if you're dealing with some more complex data loss scenarios, you'll need help from powerful data recovery software, as presented below.

Universal Recovery Solutions for Unsaved/Deleted/Lost Visio File Recovery

Troubleshooting your Visio file loss can take hours. If you want to save time discovering the most reliable recovery method for your situation, you can use a universal tool, as you'll see below.

Wondershare Recoverit is one of the first recovery tools on the market. During its 20 years of work history, it created numerous technologies and processes to maximize efficiency and the recovery success rate. Today, the app has the best success rate (around 98%), so you'll likely get your Visio data back.

The best part about Wondershare Recoverit is that you won't have to worry about file types, system, and device requirements. It's a universal tool that will help you extract your valuables no matter the data loss scenario.

If you've lost your unsaved files or accidentally deleted Visio documents, head to the official website, download the tool, and follow the steps below:

1. Open the app and click on the Hard Drives and Locations option.
2. Choose a location containing the missing Visio file.

   

3. After selecting the location, the program will automatically start scanning. You can view the progress or pause the scanning in the next window.

   

4. Filter your files by their type and size for easier access.

   

5. You can also search for the files by their name.

   

6. Once the program completes the scanning, preview the recovered files and select the ones to save. Click the Recover button.

   

7. Choose where to save the files.

   

Methods for Recovering Unsaved Visio Files

If you didn't press the Save button and are wondering whether you can still access your files, check out the solutions below.

Recover Visio Files Using AutoRecovery

AutoRecovery is a feature you can enable on Visio to prevent data loss. This feature will automatically save all the changes you make to the document. If, for instance, you lose power or your Visio program suddenly shuts down, you can quickly recover your files through AutoRecovery. Here's how to do it:

1. Restart Visio.
2. After you enter Visio, the recovered files will be presented on the screen.

   

3. Open the file you want to recover and click the Save button to save it to the original location.

Restore Unsaved Files Using the .ini File

If the abovementioned method doesn't work, you can search for AutoRecovery files on your device. These files will have the .ini extension, indicating they have been recovered from your Visio platform. Here's how to find .ini files and recover unsaved drawings:

1. Open the AutoRecover location (by default: C:\Users\Computer Login Name\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Visio).
2. Find the latest .ini files and open them.

   

3. Open the .ini file in Visio to check whether it's the one you're looking for.
4. Save the file.

Recover From Temp Folder

Your Windows device can hold onto temporary information for some time to help you make the recovery process easier. Every change you make to your Visio document will be saved in these temporary files, so you can try to recover unsaved Visio files from the temporary folder. Here's a guide on how to do it:

1. Head to C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Temp.
2. Find the desired Visio temporary file.

   

3. Open it in Visio and save it.

Methods for Recovering Deleted/Lost Visio Files

If you've lost or deleted your files, you can try some of the solutions we have prepared for you below.

Restore Visio Files From Recycle Bin

The Recycle Bin will hold onto your files for as long as you don't empty the bin. Thus, if you haven't done that, you can recover your deleted Visio files in seconds by following the steps below:

1. Open the Recycle Bin.

   

2. Right-click on the Visio file you want to recover.
3. Click the Restore option from the drop-down menu.

   

Once you complete these steps, the file should appear in its original location.

Recover Visio Files Using Backup

Backing up your files is crucial for their preservation and longevity. If you have been using a backup solution for your Visio files, you can recover them by accessing the backup sources.

You can choose from two options: hardware and software backups. You may have used an external hard drive to back up your data, so connect the hard drive to the PC to access the lost files.

On the other hand, if you're using cloud storage solutions, you can sign into your account and download the file from there for a successful recovery.

Recover Older Visio File Versions in Windows

Your Visio files can become corrupted, which will impact the file's content. Luckily, if your file history is turned on, you can recover your Visio documents by restoring them to their previous versions. Check out the steps below to learn how to do it:

1. Head to the folder containing your Visio files.
2. Right-click on the file and head to Properties.

   

3. Click on the Previous Version tab.

   

4. Under the Folder Versions, select the version you want.
5. Click the Restore button.

   

How To Prevent Visio Files From Getting Deleted/Lost

We have prepared some tips and methods you can utilize to avoid these stressful data loss scenarios and keep your Visio drawings safe and sound.

Turn On AutoRecover and AutoSave in Visio

AutoRecover and AutoSave features will save all the changes you've made to the document, thus preventing data loss. The first feature, AutoRecover, will recover your files in case of emergencies, such as sudden power loss.

On the other hand, AutoSave will save all the edits you've made to the document, so you won't have to click the Save button repeatedly.

Here's how to enable these features.

1. Open Visio and head to the File tab.
2. Head to Options.

   

3. Open the Save section.
4. Check the Save AutoRecover information box and choose the time.

   

5. Click OK.

Consider Backing Up Your Files Regularly

Backing up your data is crucial for its preservation. No matter what happens to the original files, you'll always have a solution to count on. Choose the best backup solution for you and start the journey as quickly as possible.

If the backup process seems difficult and you don't want to transfer hundreds of files from one place to another manually, you can use third-party software solutions such as UBackit. This tool was designed to help you manage, organize, and backup your data. It will also protect your valuables from potential harm, so you can be worry-free on your journey.

This automatic solution will back up essential files in the background so you can focus on your work and make your visions come to life.

Conclusion

Visio is one of the most powerful and motivating Microsoft tools out there. Thanks to its comprehensive user interface and tools, you can draw your visions, connect your ideas, and create a project. Although it's an excellent option for professional and personal use, you may encounter issues on your journey.

For instance, you may lose valuable files in the bImage name of an eye. Imagine hours of work dropping into the abyss – it's exactly what losing your Visio files may feel like. That's why we've gathered the most reliable recovery solutions. You can try them out to get your Visio drawings back.

However, we advise you to use the universal recovery tool, Wondershare Recoverit, to deal with any loss scenario and ensure a successful journey.