AutoRecover and AutoSave are two different features in Excel that serve different purposes.
AutoRecover is a feature that automatically saves your work at regular intervals, typically every 10 minutes, or as per the time period specified by the user. This is a useful feature in case of unexpected events such as power outages, system crashes, or accidental closing of Excel without saving the file manually. When you enable AutoRecover, Excel creates a temporary backup file of your workbook, which can be used to recover your work in case of any unforeseen circumstances. This feature helps to minimize the risk of losing your data and allows you to restore your work to the last saved version.
On the other hand, AutoSave is a newer feature introduced in Excel, which is specifically designed for cloud storage platforms like OneDrive and SharePoint. When you save your Excel files in OneDrive or SharePoint, AutoSave automatically saves your changes in real-time as you work on the file. This means that every change you make is instantly saved, and you don’t have to worry about manually saving your work. AutoSave ensures that your work is always up to date and accessible from any device with an internet connection. It also allows for easier collaboration as multiple users can work on the same file simultaneously, and their changes are automatically synced.
While both AutoRecover and AutoSave aim to prevent data loss and ensure the safety of your work, they differ in their functionality. AutoRecover focuses on creating backup copies of your file at regular intervals, providing a safety net in case of unexpected events. On the other hand, AutoSave focuses on real-time saving of your changes to the cloud, ensuring that your work is always up to date and easily accessible.
In my personal experience, I have found AutoRecover to be a useful feature when working on important projects or when there is a possibility of power outages or system crashes. It has saved me from losing hours of work on multiple occasions. On the other hand, AutoSave has been a game-changer when collaborating with colleagues on shared Excel files. It eliminates the need for constant manual saving and allows for seamless collaboration and version control.
AutoRecover and AutoSave are two distinct features in Excel that serve different purposes. AutoRecover creates backup copies of your file at regular intervals to protect against unexpected events, while AutoSave saves your changes in real-time to the cloud for easy access and collaboration. Both features play important roles in ensuring the safety and accessibility of your work.