Fix Microsoft Word Cannot Display SharePoint Document Version History
Question details
The user is unable to view the version history of documents in Microsoft Word after upgrading to Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise.
- Product
- Microsoft Word, SharePoint 2013
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to view the version history of documents stored on an on-premises SharePoint server using the modern Microsoft 365 Word client app.
- Observed behavior
- Word fails to display the version history for documents hosted on an on-premises SharePoint 2013 server running in SharePoint 2010 compatibility mode.
Verify your server connection and ensure that document versioning is properly enabled within your specific SharePoint document library settings.
View Version History via the SharePoint Web Interface
Since modern Microsoft 365 Word clients primarily support version history for cloud environments (SharePoint Online/OneDrive), viewing history directly via the web browser is the most reliable workaround for on-premises servers.
Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise focus primarily on modern cloud integration. Because your files are hosted on an older on-premises SharePoint 2013 server running in 2010 compatibility mode, the desktop Word app may lack the necessary APIs to pull historical data directly. Using the native SharePoint web interface bypasses this client limitation.
Launch your preferred web browser and navigate to the URL of your on-premises SharePoint 2013 site.
Locate and click on the specific document library where your affected Word files are stored.
Hover over the document name you wish to check, and click the ellipsis (...) to open the context menu.
Select 'Version History' from the dropdown list. A new dialog will appear showing all saved versions, allowing you to view, restore, or delete them as needed.
Consult the Microsoft Q&A SharePoint Server Forum
If you are an IT administrator looking for a permanent integration fix between modern Microsoft 365 clients and legacy on-premises SharePoint environments, seek specialized server support.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management
If you frequently encounter compatibility or connectivity issues with expensive Microsoft 365 updates, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, feature-rich, and lightweight workspace without the steep subscription fees.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installer and follow the quick setup instructions.
- 2. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Word (.docx) documents with perfect formatting preservation.
- 3. Manage Document Versions: Use the integrated WPS Cloud feature to securely save your files, ensuring you can access complete and reliable version histories at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Word version history stop working after a Microsoft 365 upgrade?
Modern Microsoft 365 Apps primarily support version history for files stored in modern cloud environments like OneDrive or SharePoint Online in Microsoft 365. Native integration and compatibility with older on-premises servers (like SharePoint 2013) are often deprecated or limited in newer Office builds.
Can I view version history directly on the SharePoint site instead of using Word?
Yes. You can bypass the Word desktop app entirely by logging into your SharePoint site via a web browser, navigating to your document library, clicking the ellipsis (...) next to the file, and selecting 'Version History'.
Does WPS Office include its own version history feature?
Yes. WPS Office provides a robust and easy-to-use version history feature for documents saved in WPS Cloud, allowing you to view, restore, or compare previous iterations of your files without relying on external server environments.
