Version History Issues

How to Restore an Earlier Document Version in Microsoft Word

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to revert a Microsoft Word document to a previous state because the Undo and Redo history has been cleared or is insufficient.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Recovering an older version of a document after unwanted edits or a cleared undo history.
Observed behavior: The user needs a reliable method to access and restore a specific earlier version of their Word document.

Before you start

Ensure your Microsoft Word document is saved to OneDrive or SharePoint, as the Version History feature relies on cloud storage to track and maintain previous versions of your file.

Solution 1Recommended

Use OneDrive Version History to Restore the Document

Utilize the built-in Version History feature in Microsoft Word to access older states of a file saved to OneDrive.

Microsoft Word tracks changes and creates recoverable versions of your documents automatically, provided the file is synced to the cloud.

Verify OneDrive Save Location

Make sure your document is saved directly to your connected OneDrive or SharePoint account, and ensure AutoSave is turned on in the top-left corner of the Word window.

Open Version History

Click on the file name at the very top center of the Word window and select 'Version History' from the drop-down menu. Alternatively, you can go to 'File' > 'Info' > 'Version History'.

Select and Restore a Version

Browse the list of previous versions that appears in the right-hand Version History pane. Click 'Open version' under the timestamp you want to review, and then click the 'Restore' button in the notification bar to replace the current document with this older version.

Interval Tracking: Keep in mind that versions are created at specific time intervals rather than continuously. You may not be able to restore the exact keystroke before an error, but rather the last auto-saved state.

Easily Restore Document Versions with WPS Writer

WPS Office provides a robust Cloud Auto-Backup and Local Backup feature, allowing you to easily view and restore previous versions of your documents without losing critical data.

1. Open Your Document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open the document you wish to restore to an earlier version.
2. Access Backup Management: Click on 'Menu' in the top left corner, navigate to 'Backup and Recovery', and select 'Backup Center'.
3. Choose the Local or Cloud Backup: In the Backup Center, browse through the 'Local Backup' or 'Cloud Backup' tabs to find the automatically saved versions of your file categorized by time.
4. Restore the File: Double-click the desired version to open it in a new tab, then save it over your current document or as a new file to restore your progress.

Free and lightweight alternative to Microsoft WordFully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsBuilt-in WPS Cloud for automatic version history trackingLocal backup options for offline file recovery

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Version History option grayed out or missing in Microsoft Word?

Version History is only available if the document is saved in OneDrive or SharePoint. If you are saving the file locally on your computer's hard drive, this feature will be disabled or hidden.

Can I recover an unsaved Word document without using Version History?

Yes, you can check the 'Recover Unsaved Documents' folder. Go to File > Info > Manage Document, and select Recover Unsaved Documents to see if Microsoft Word retained a temporary auto-recovery file for your document.

How often does Word create a new version of the document?

When AutoSave is enabled for a OneDrive or SharePoint file, Word creates a new version periodically as you make changes, typically every few minutes, rather than after every single edit.

Does restoring a previous version delete my current version permanently?

No, when you click 'Restore', your current version is simply saved as the newest item in the version history list. It is not permanently deleted, meaning you can always revert back to it if you change your mind.

Document & File Issues