can not find my file

Dona Salomone 0 Reputation points
2026-08-13T14:33:43.6133333+00:00

I created a password-protected file yesterday, and now I can open it; however, it doesn't contain the information I wrote. Instead, it only has a blank file

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage
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  1. Carl-L 21,745 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-14T07:14:34.8233333+00:00

    Hello Dona Salomone,

    Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

    It is weird for the file to become blank when it is password protected. Before we proceed, may I know the file type and where was is stored? Also, can you please check the file size to see if it unusually small compares to how it was?

    Additionally, can you please create a new test file with the same type as the affected file, write a few lines on it and create password protection, then save the files and reopen it with password to see if the lines are still there?

    I'm waiting for your reply.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-13T14:34:00.7766667+00:00

    If the file opens but shows only a blank or older version, the most relevant next step is to search the device for other copies of the file and check whether a different saved version exists.

    1. Open File Explorer by right-clicking Start.
    2. Select This PC.
    3. In the Search This PC box at the top right, enter the file name.
    4. If nothing useful appears, make hidden files visible:
      • Right-click Start > Settings
      • Go to Update & Security > For developers
      • Next to Change settings to show hidden and system files, select Show settings
      • Under Advanced settings, select Show hidden files, folders, or drives
      • Select Apply
    5. Search again for the file.

    If the file is password-protected, Word cannot recover it if the password is lost or forgotten. Also, Word documents protected with a password may have saving problems in OneDrive scenarios; one accepted recommendation is to save the document directly to the local hard drive instead of inside the OneDrive folder for future use.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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