How to Recover a Previous Version of a File in SharePoint

Recovering a previous version of a file in SharePoint is like turning back time for your document. If you’ve made changes to a file and need to go back to an earlier version, Microsoft SharePoint makes it easy. This can be really useful if you accidentally delete important information or if you want to see how a document looked before recent changes.

03.09.24 Charles Griffiths

By following these steps, you can successfully recover a previous version of a file in Microsoft SharePoint. This feature can save you a lot of time and stress if you ever need to undo changes or retrieve lost information.

How to recover a file from SharePoint

  1. Open SharePoint: Start by opening your SharePoint site in your web browser. This is where your files are stored.
  2. Find Your Document: Navigate to the document library where your file is located. Click on the file you want to recover a previous version of.
  3. Open the Version History: Once you’ve selected your file, look for the “…” (ellipsis) next to the file name or right-click on the file. In the menu that appears, click on “Version History.”
  4. View Previous Versions: A new window will open, showing a list of all the previous versions of the file. Each version will have a date and time, so you can see when changes were made.
  5. Select a Version: Find the version you want to recover. Click on the date or the “…” (ellipsis) next to that version. In the menu that appears, click “Restore.”
  6. Confirm Restoration: A confirmation message will pop up, asking if you’re sure you want to restore this version. Click “OK” or “Restore” to confirm.
  7. Check Your File: Your file will now be restored to the version you selected. Open the file to make sure it looks the way you want it to.
  8. Save Your Changes: If you need to make any further changes, go ahead and do so. Remember to save your file when you’re done.

Free Tech Strategy

Are you looking for a free and clear business IT strategy? Find out how.
Book your FREE audit
News
Resources
Tech Tips
How to capture meeting minutes with Copilot

How to use Copilot to keep meeting minutes and action points (updated 2026)

05.01.26

Managing emails efficiently can be a daunting task. Copilot in Outlook can enable you to catch up, prepare and follow-up with ease. Read more. Read More

Business
News
Microsoft 365 CoPilot Image

What is Microsoft Copilot?

13.07.24

Microsoft Copilot is the new AI-powered assistant that promises to enhance productivity for businesses using 365 products. Read More

News
Resources
Tech Tips
How to use Copilot in Excel

How to use Microsoft Copilot in Excel

15.07.24

Managing huge data sets and organising multiple spreadsheets is often time-consuming and tedious. Microsoft Copilot offers teams a powerful tool for streamlining data analysis and a range of other tasks within Excel - we show you how. Read More

How can AAG help with your IT support?

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)

Related insights

Browse more articles from our experts and discover how to make better use of IT in your business.

Business
News
A person in an AAG IT Services polo shirt sits at a white table in a bright office space, next to a large plush goose toy resting against their shoulder. Behind them, two colourful framed posters hang on the wall, one reading “She’s Electric.” and the other “Hello, I’ve waited here for you… Everlong.” Sunlight comes through wide window blinds on the left, illuminating the modern workspace.

Employee of the Quarter – Ben Bedford

09.03.26

Congratulations to Ben Bedford, our Service Delivery Manager, who has been awarded Employee of the Quarter. He embodies all of our values and we’re both proud and delighted to celebrate his work and achievements this quarter. Read More

Business
News
Two team members wearing black AAG-branded clothing standing outside the modern glass-fronted entrance of the AAG office, representing the company’s Managed IT Support services, with the large AAG logo visible above the doorway.

Welcoming Jake Taylor to the AAG service desk

02.02.26

IT service roles really do take all kinds, and we’re delighted to welcome former Head Chef, of the “Best Restaurant in Chesterfield” to AAG. Read More

Business
News
20 Questions to ask Your IT Provider

20 Essential Questions To Ask Your IT Provider in 2026

05.01.26

Ensure you're getting the best IT support. Ask your existing provider these 20 essential questions to evaluate their services and consider if it's time to switch. Read More