How to Recover Previous Version of Excel File (4 Easy Ways)

We’ll use a simple dataset to show how to recover a previous version of a file.

The name of the workbook is Recover Previous Version of Excel File.xlsx

Method 1 – Recovering from the Version History

For this method to work, you have to always keep your Autosave feature On.

Steps:

• Select File and go to Info.
• Select the Version History option.

• A side window called Version History will appear on the right side of our spreadsheet.
• Click on the Open version option to open the earlier version of our Excel file.

• Click Restore to save the file in your desired location on your computer.

Read More: How to Recover Overwritten Excel File with No Previous Version

Method 2 – Retrieve a Previous Version from the Manage Workbook Option

Steps:

• Select File and go to Info.
• Select the drop-down arrow of the option Manage Workbook.
• Choose the option Recover Unsaved Workbooks.

• A dialog box named Open will appear.
• Select the file and click Open.

• The file will open in Microsoft Excel.

• In the File tab, select the Save As command to save the file at your desired location.

Read More: How to Recover Corrupted Excel File

Method 3 – Using File Properties to Get the File

The File History option on your device needs to be enabled.

Steps:

• Select the file on your device.
• Right-click and choose the Properties option. You can also press Ctrl + Enter to launch the dialog box.

• A dialog box called Recover Previous Version of Excel File Properties will appear.
• Select the Previous Versions tab.

• Select your desired file from the list of earlier versions of that life and click Open.
• Click OK to close the dialog box.
• Microsoft Excel will open the file.

Method 4 – Recover Unsaved Files from Document Recovery

Steps:

• Double-click on the file to open it.

• When the file opens, a side window titled Document Recovery will appear on the left panel.

• Click on the drop-down arrow beside the file name shown in that window and click on the View option. The file will open in Excel and you will see the last modifications saved.

• Click on the drop-down arrow beside the file name shown in that window and select Save As to save the file at your desired location.

• You can also go to File and Save As to save the file.

• Click on Close to close the window.

Download the Practice Workbook

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