How to Create a SharePoint Site Page from a Previous Version
Question details
The user needs to create a new, separate SharePoint site page based on a specific older version from the page's history.
- Product
- SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Extracting or duplicating a past version of an existing SharePoint page to use as a standalone page without losing the current published version.
- Observed behavior
- SharePoint lacks a direct command to create a new page straight from the version history menu, requiring users to manually restore, copy, and revert the page.
Ensure you have the necessary permissions to edit site pages and access version history in your SharePoint Site Pages library before proceeding with these steps.
Restore, Copy, and Revert the Site Page
Since SharePoint doesn't offer a direct 'create from version' feature, you must temporarily restore the old version, duplicate it, and then revert the original page to its latest state.
This workaround ensures you get a clean copy of the past page content while keeping the original page's latest published version intact for site visitors.
Navigate to your SharePoint Site Pages library, locate the target page, click the ellipsis (...) next to the page name, and select 'Version history'.
Find the specific older version you want to use (e.g., version 22.0) in the history list, click the drop-down arrow next to the modified date, and select 'Restore'.
Go back to the Site Pages library, select the newly restored page, click the 'Copy to' option in the command bar, and save it as a new site page. This creates a fresh page without the old version history.
Return to the original page's 'Version history', find the version that was the latest before your initial restore, and click 'Restore'. Finally, publish the page so users continue seeing the correct current content.
Manage Document Versions Effortlessly with WPS Office
While managing SharePoint site page versions requires workarounds, tracking versions for your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations shouldn't. WPS Office provides a free, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office with a robust, built-in version history feature that makes retrieving past work incredibly simple.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office Free from the official website and install it on your device.
- 2. Access Version History: Open your document and click on 'Menu' > 'File' > 'Backup and Recovery' > 'Version History'.
- 3. Restore or Duplicate: Easily preview previous document versions and save them as new files instantly without affecting your current working document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I duplicate a SharePoint page directly from the version history menu?
No, SharePoint currently does not support a direct 'copy' or 'duplicate' button within the version history menu. You must restore the version first, copy the page, and then restore the latest version.
Does copying a restored SharePoint page copy its entire version history?
No, when you use the 'Copy to' function on a restored page, the new page is created as a completely fresh file with no previous version history attached to it.
Will users see the older version while I am copying the page?
If the page is actively being viewed, users might momentarily see the restored older version until you restore and republish the current version. It is best to perform this action during off-peak hours if the page receives high traffic.
What happens if I forget to restore the current version after copying?
The original site page will remain at the older restored version. Site visitors will continue to see outdated content until you open the version history again and restore the most recent published version.
