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Quick Answer

Right-click the file in OneDrive or SharePoint, select Version history, find the date and time of the version you want, click the three dots next to it, and click Restore.

How to Restore a Previous Version of a File in OneDrive ​

Applies to: Microsoft 365 (OneDrive, SharePoint)
Article Type: How-To
Last Updated: 2026-03-09

Summary ​

OneDrive and SharePoint automatically save previous versions of your files every time a change is made. If you accidentally overwrite or edit a file incorrectly, you can restore an earlier version. This article explains how to view, restore, and download previous versions.

Prerequisites ​

  • The file must be saved in OneDrive or SharePoint.
  • Version history is enabled by default for most file types.

Instructions ​

1. View Version History from File Explorer ​

Access past versions directly from your desktop.

  1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the file in your OneDrive folder.
  2. Right-click the file.
  3. Select Version history (on Windows 11, you may need to click Show more options first).
  4. A panel opens showing a list of saved versions with dates and timestamps.
  5. Click a version to preview it.

2. View Version History from OneDrive on the Web ​

Access past versions through your browser.

  1. Open OneDrive in a browser (onedrive.com or your organization's SharePoint site).
  2. Navigate to the file.
  3. Right-click the file (or click the three-dot menu (⋯) next to it).
  4. Select Version history.
  5. A list of saved versions appears with dates, file sizes, and the name of the person who made the edit.

3. View Version History from an Office App ​

Check versions while working in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.

  1. Open the file in the Office desktop or web app.
  2. Click the file name in the title bar.
  3. Select Version History from the dropdown.
  4. A panel opens on the right showing all saved versions.
  5. Click a version to preview it side by side with the current version.

4. Restore a Previous Version ​

Replace the current file with an older version.

  1. Open Version History using any method above.
  2. Find the version you want to restore.
  3. Click Restore (or the three-dot menu (⋯) > Restore).
  4. The selected version becomes the current version. The previously current version is saved as a new version in the history — you do not lose it.

5. Download a Previous Version ​

Save an old version as a separate file without overwriting the current one.

  1. Open Version History.
  2. Click the three-dot menu (⋯) next to the version you want.
  3. Select Download.
  4. The file is downloaded to your computer. Rename it to avoid confusion with the current version.

Troubleshooting ​

INFO

OneDrive retains version history for up to 30 days for most files (or 500 versions, whichever comes first). Your organization may have different retention policies — if the version you need is gone, ask the site owner or IT to check whether the file is covered by a longer retention policy or a backup, and send them the file's full OneDrive or SharePoint path.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
"Version history" not availableFile is stored locally onlyMove the file to your OneDrive or SharePoint folder. Version history only works for cloud-stored files.
Old version is missingRetention period exceededVersions older than 30 days (or beyond the 500-version limit) may be removed. Contact IT for backup options.
Restored version is wrongWrong version selectedRestore again — each restore creates a new version, so the previous current version is still available in the history.