Summary: Learn how to view, compare, and restore previous versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files stored in OneDrive, Teams, and SharePoint using Version History.
For Staff and Students
Overview
Microsoft 365 automatically saves previous versions of files stored in OneDrive, Teams, and SharePoint. This feature, known as Version History, allows you to view, compare, and restore earlier versions of a document when changes are made accidentally or content is lost.
In many situations, Version History allows users to restore files without needing assistance from the IT Department.
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This article includes three methods of restoring previous versions:
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When Version History Can Help
- Content was accidentally deleted or overwritten.
- Someone made changes that need to be reversed.
- You need to return to an earlier version of a document.
- A collaborative edit introduced unwanted changes.
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Version History is available only for files stored in OneDrive, Teams, or SharePoint. |
Option 1: Restore a Previous Version from Office Web App
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1
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Open the File
Open the document in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint Online.
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2
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Select File
Click File in the upper-left corner of the document.
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Open Version History
Select Version History.
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Review Available Versions
A list of previously saved versions will appear on the right side of the screen.
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Open a Previous Version
Select a version from the list to review its contents before restoring.
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Restore the Version
If the version contains the content you want, click Restore.
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Note: Restoring a version does not delete the current version. The version you restore becomes the current version, and the previous version remains available in Version History. |
Option 2: Restore a Previous Version from Office Desktop App
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Important: AutoSave must be enabled and the file must be stored in OneDrive, Teams, or SharePoint for Version History to be available. |
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1
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Open the File
Open the document in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint Desktop App.
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Select File
Click File in the upper-left corner of the Office application.
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Open File Information
Select the Info option from the File menu.
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Launch Version History
Select Version History.
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Review Previous Versions
A list of previous versions will appear on the right side of the screen. Turn on Show Edits to see the modifications between versions.
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Review a Version
Select a version from the list to review the changes and verify it contains the content you want.
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Restore the Version
If the version contains the content you want, click Restore.
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Note: Restoring a version does not permanently delete other versions. The restored version becomes current, and previously saved versions remain available in Version History. |
Option 3: Restore a Previous Version from OneDrive, SharePoint, or Teams (Web)
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This option allows you to restore previous versions directly from OneDrive, Teams, or SharePoint without opening the file first. |
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1
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Open OneDrive, Teams, or SharePoint
Open your web browser and navigate to:
- OneDrive
- Microsoft Teams
- SharePoint Online
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Locate the File
Navigate to My Files (OneDrive) or the appropriate Documents Library (SharePoint or Teams) and locate the file.
- In this example, OneDrive is being used.
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Open the File Menu
Right-click the file or select the three dots (⋯) next to the file name.
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Select Version History
Choose Version History from the menu.
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Review Available Versions
Review the list of available versions.
- Select the newest version to open it within the Office Web App.
- Follow the steps outlined in Option 1: Restore a Previous Version from Office Web App if you want to compare versions before restoring.
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Restore the Version
Select Restore next to the version you want to make current.
✅ The selected version will become the current version of the file.
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Note: Restoring a version does not permanently remove other versions. The restored version becomes the current version, and previously saved versions remain available in Version History. |
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Tip: This method is often the fastest way to recover a file because you can restore a version directly from OneDrive, Teams, or SharePoint without opening the document first. |