'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Recover an Unsaved or Older OneDrive File Version on Mac
Question details
The user needs to restore an unsaved or older version of a document that was either saved locally on a Mac or stored in Microsoft OneDrive.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive and Mac AutoRecover
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- A file was accidentally closed without saving, or recent unwanted changes require the user to revert to a previous state of the document.
- Observed behavior
- The current file is missing recent data or contains incorrect modifications, requiring a rollback to an older, intact version.
Determine if your document was saved locally on your Mac's hard drive or if AutoSave was enabled to sync the file directly to your OneDrive account.
Restore an Older Version using OneDrive Version History
Use this method to recover previous iterations of your document if AutoSave was enabled and your file is stored in OneDrive.
OneDrive automatically saves versions of your files as you work. This allows you to easily view and restore older versions of your documents right from your Mac or through the web interface.
Log in to your OneDrive account via a web browser, or navigate to your local OneDrive sync folder using Finder on your Mac.
Right-click the file you wish to restore and select 'Version history' from the context menu.
Review the list of previous file versions grouped by date. Select the specific version you want to recover, click the three-dot menu icon next to it, and choose 'Restore' to replace the current version.
Use AutoRecover for Locally Saved Mac Files
Applies to unsaved documents that were saved locally on your Mac rather than in the cloud.
Easily Manage and Recover File Versions with WPS Office
WPS Office offers a built-in Local Backup and Cloud Version History feature, making it incredibly easy to recover unsaved documents and access previous file states without complex folder navigation.
- 1. Access Backup Center: Open WPS Office and click on 'Menu' (or 'WPS Office' on Mac) > 'Backup and Recovery' > 'Backup Center'.
- 2. Recover Local Files: Select 'Local Backup' to view automatic snapshots of your unsaved files, then click to open and save the one you need.
- 3. Restore Cloud Versions: For files saved in WPS Cloud, open the document, click the 'History Version' button from the top toolbar, and click 'Restore' on the desired previous version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover a Mac file if AutoSave was turned off?
Yes, if the file was being edited locally, your Mac's AutoRecover feature may have saved a temporary copy. You can check the hidden AutoRecovery folder in your Mac's Library directory to find unsaved drafts.
How long does OneDrive keep version history?
OneDrive typically stores previous versions of your files for at least 30 days. For Microsoft 365 business accounts, administrators can configure the system to retain versions for much longer depending on organizational policies.
What if my file is missing from both OneDrive Version History and AutoRecover?
If neither method yields results, check your Mac's Trash or the OneDrive online Recycle Bin. You can also try restoring the file using Apple's Time Machine backup if you have it configured.
