Check the Recycle Bin or Trash
Search your computer for the file name or .docx extension
Open Microsoft Word and look in Recent files
Use Word’s AutoRecover or Document Recovery feature
Check OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox if the file was saved there
Look in the default Documents folder
Search backup locations or external drives
Restore from File History, Time Machine, or another backup tool
Use Windows File Recovery or a third-party file recovery tool if the file was deleted
Check email attachments or shared folders if the file was sent or shared
Search temporary files in the system temp folder
Contact your IT department if the file was on a work device or network drive