Overview: Excel creates temporary (TMP) files while you work on spreadsheets to help protect and recover unsaved data. Although these files are usually removed automatically when Excel is closed, some temporary files may remain on your Windows system. This can raise concerns, especially when the spreadsheets contain sensitive or confidential information.
In this guide, we’ll explain what Excel temporary files are, where they are commonly stored, why they may remain after closing Excel, and how to safely remove them from Windows 10. We’ll also discuss whether deleted Excel TMP files can still be recovered and what you can do when privacy is a concern.
What Are Excel Temporary (TMP) Files?
Microsoft Excel creates temporary files during editing sessions to store working information and support data recovery. These files can be useful if Excel closes unexpectedly or a spreadsheet is accidentally closed before the changes are saved.
Normally, Excel removes its temporary files when you properly close the application. However, temporary files can sometimes remain because of an application crash, an interrupted process, or other system issues.
This is particularly important when working with confidential spreadsheets. For example, a company employee may want to ensure that sensitive Excel data does not remain in temporary locations after the original workbook has been closed.
A common concern is:
When working with confidential data, how can we make sure that no recoverable traces of an Excel file remain on a computer? Where are Excel temporary files stored, and what is the safest way to remove them?
The following sections explain the common locations of Excel temporary files and the steps you can take to clear them safely.
Where Are Excel Temp Files Located in Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7?
Before deleting Excel temporary files, you need to know where Windows stores them. The location can vary depending on the Windows version and how Excel is configured. Common locations include:
- Windows 11/10: C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\UnsavedFiles
- Windows 8/7/Vista: C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\UnsavedFiles
- Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\UserName\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Office\UnsavedFiles
In some cases, Excel-related temporary or recovery files may also be found here:
C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Excel
How to Find Excel Temp Files Using the Run Command?
You can also access the Windows temporary-file folder directly through the Run dialog:
- Press Windows + R on your keyboard.
- Type %temp% in the Run box.
- Click OK or press Enter.
- Review the temporary files and folders available on your system.
- Identify the files you no longer need before deleting them.
Note: Avoid deleting temporary files while Excel or another application is actively using them. Close the related applications first.
How to Delete Excel TMP Files Permanently?
For ordinary cleanup, you can manually delete unwanted Excel temporary files from their location. Select the files you want to remove, right-click them, and choose Delete. You can also use Shift + Delete to bypass the Recycle Bin.
However, simply deleting a file does not necessarily guarantee that its underlying data is unrecoverable. Depending on the storage device and operating system, deleted data may potentially be recovered using specialized data-recovery techniques.
Are Excel Files Permanently Deleted After Using Shift + Delete?
Not necessarily. Shift + Delete removes the selected file without sending it to the Recycle Bin, but it does not securely overwrite the storage space previously occupied by the file.
If the Excel TMP files contain confidential information and you need stronger protection against data recovery, consider using a dedicated data-erasure solution that securely overwrites the relevant storage space.
Securely Erase Excel Temporary Files with Data Eraser Software
For users who need to remove sensitive Excel-related data beyond ordinary file deletion, CubexSoft Data Wipe Software can be used as a secure data-wiping solution. It is designed to permanently erase selected files, folders, drives, or other data according to supported data-erasure standards.
The software provides multiple wiping methods, including options based on recognized data-erasure standards. This can be useful when sensitive business documents or temporary files need to be removed before a computer or storage device is reused, transferred, or retired.
Before using any data-wiping software, make sure that the selected files or storage locations no longer contain data you may need in the future, because securely erased data may not be recoverable.
Closing Words
In this blog, we explored what Excel TMP files are, where they are commonly stored, and how to remove them from Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, XP, and other versions. While manually deleting temporary files can help with routine cleanup, it may not be sufficient when you need to securely erase sensitive Excel data.
For users who want an additional layer of protection, CubexSoft Data Eraser Software provides a dedicated solution for securely wiping files and other data from a storage device. The software also offers a free trial that allows users to erase up to 10 items, provided each item is smaller than 5 MB, so you can test its functionality before purchasing.
If you are dealing with confidential Excel TMP files, always verify the selected data before performing a secure erase, as data removed through a wiping process may not be recoverable through normal recovery methods.
