To undo an edit or overwrite, open OneDrive, find the file, choose Version history, and restore the version you want. The restore makes that version current; the version that was current before remains in the version list.
Restore a previous version in OneDrive on the web
- Sign in to OneDrive on the web and locate the file.
- Select the file’s context menu (the ellipsis), then choose Version history. You can also right-click the file and choose Version history.
- Review the available versions and their dates. Open the ellipsis next to the version you want, then select Restore.
- Confirm the restore if prompted. The selected version becomes the current file, while the previous current version remains available in Version history.
Microsoft documents Version history for many file types, including Microsoft 365 files, PDFs, CAD files, photos, and videos. Its guidance states that file version history is retained for 30 days; the versions actually shown in your account are the ones to check before restoring, since organization settings can affect availability. Microsoft’s OneDrive version-history instructions describe the web and File Explorer paths.
Use File Explorer or an Office app instead
Windows File Explorer
If the OneDrive sync app is installed, Microsoft also documents opening the file’s right-click menu in File Explorer and selecting Version history. Choose the desired version and restore it from the history list.
Microsoft 365 apps
For supported Office files, open the file and use File > Info > Version History. Review the versions, open the one you need, and select Restore. The exact interface varies by app and platform. See Microsoft’s Office app instructions.
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- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Choose the right recovery option
| What happened | Use | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| An existing file was edited or overwritten | Version history | Restores one chosen file version. Versioning may be disabled by a work or school administrator. |
| A file or folder was deleted | OneDrive recycle bin | Recovers deleted items if they are still in the bin; retention depends on account type and settings. |
| Many files changed, became corrupted, or may have been affected by a malicious event | Restore your OneDrive | Rolls back activity across OneDrive rather than restoring just one file; Microsoft 365 is required. |
If the file is deleted, check the recycle bin
Version history is for an existing file whose contents need to be rolled back. If the file itself is missing, open the OneDrive recycle bin and restore it there. Microsoft states that deleted items are automatically removed after 30 days for personal accounts and after 93 days for work or school accounts, unless an administrator changes the latter setting. Files permanently deleted from the recycle bin cannot be recovered through that recycle-bin process. See Microsoft’s deleted-file recovery guidance.
When a large-scale rollback is more appropriate
If changes affect many files or folders, Microsoft’s Restore your OneDrive feature can undo activity within the last 30 days. It requires Microsoft 365 and affects OneDrive broadly, not just a selected file. Files created after the chosen restore point may be moved to the recycle bin, so review the activity and restore point before applying it. Follow Microsoft’s OneDrive restore instructions.
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- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
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- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Why the version you need may be missing
- Version history is unavailable: A work or school administrator may have disabled document versioning. Ask the administrator or check your organization’s OneDrive policy.
- The listed version is not the exact moment you expected: AutoSave saves changes to files stored in OneDrive or SharePoint. Microsoft says a new version is added when editing first begins, with later versions added periodically during the editing session—about every 10 minutes in its guidance. Inspect timestamps and, where possible, open versions to identify the right contents before restoring. See Microsoft’s AutoSave explanation.
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