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How to Restore Excel Files from OneDrive or Google Drive
Question details
The user needs to recover previous versions of Excel files saved in cloud storage like OneDrive or Google Drive without losing the original file formatting.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel / OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Recovering or reverting to an older version of an Excel workbook synced to cloud storage.
- Observed behavior
- Files moved to cloud storage need to be reverted to a specific date using version history while ensuring the format remains as .xlsx or .xlsm.
Ensure you have an active internet connection and your login credentials for the OneDrive or Google Drive account where the Excel files were originally saved.
Restore Excel File Versions via OneDrive Web
Use the OneDrive web interface to access the built-in version history and restore your Excel file to a specific date.
OneDrive automatically saves previous versions of your files as you work and sync changes. Utilizing the web interface is the most reliable method to view all available historical versions and recover an earlier state of a document.
Open your web browser and sign in to the OneDrive account associated with your Excel files.
Navigate through your online directories to locate the specific workbook you want to restore.
Right-click the Excel file and select 'Version history' from the context menu. A side pane will appear displaying a list of previously saved versions by date and time.
Hover over the version from your desired date range, click the three-dot menu icon next to it, and choose 'Restore' to overwrite the current file, or 'Download' to save a copy to your local drive.
Recover Files from the Local Synchronization Folder
Check your local File Explorer if you have the OneDrive desktop app installed, as files and their versions may be cached locally.
Edit and Save Cloud Files with WPS Office
WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and fully compatible alternative to Microsoft Office. It seamlessly opens .xlsx and .xlsm files downloaded from OneDrive or Google Drive without altering their original formatting.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office suite.
- 2. Open Your Cloud Document: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open the Excel file you downloaded from OneDrive or Google Drive.
- 3. Edit Without Limitations: Enjoy full editing capabilities with complete formatting retention, then save it locally or sync it back to your cloud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Excel file open in the web browser instead of the desktop app?
When clicking files directly within the OneDrive or Google Drive web interfaces, they default to opening in the cloud provider's web-based editors. To access full features, download the file to your computer or use the 'Open in Desktop App' option from the web interface.
Does moving an Excel file to Google Drive change its format?
Simply uploading an .xlsx file to Google Drive keeps it in its original format. However, if you choose to edit it using Google Sheets, it may temporarily convert it. Always download the file directly to your desktop to retain the exact Excel formatting.
How long does OneDrive keep version history for Excel files?
For personal Microsoft accounts, OneDrive typically retains the last 25 versions of a file. For Microsoft 365 work or school accounts, version retention depends on the administrator's settings but generally holds at least 100 to 500 versions.
Can I recover an Excel file if I completely deleted it from OneDrive?
Yes, you can check the OneDrive Recycle Bin on the web interface. Deleted files are usually kept there for 30 days for personal accounts or 93 days for work and school accounts before being permanently erased.
