How to Restore a Previous Version of a File in OneDrive

OneDrive quietly keeps earlier versions of your files, so an accidental edit or overwrite is usually easy to undo.

  1. Find the file on the OneDrive website

    Go to onedrive.live.com and navigate to the folder containing the file you want to roll back.

  2. Right-click the file and select Version history

    Right-click the file and choose Version history from the menu that appears.

  3. Preview saved versions by date

    The version history panel lists saved versions by date and time; click any one to preview its contents before deciding whether to restore it.

  4. Click Restore from the three-dot menu

    Click the three-dot menu next to the version you want, then select Restore to make that version the current one.

  5. Use the same steps from File Explorer

    If you use the OneDrive sync app, right-click the file in File Explorer and choose Restore previous versions for the same result without opening a browser.

What happens to the version you restore over

Restoring an older version doesn't delete the version it replaces β€” that most-recent version simply gets added to the list as one more entry in the history, so you can go back to it again later if the restore turns out to have been the wrong call.

How long OneDrive keeps version history

Version history is typically retained for around 30 days for most files, though the exact window can vary by file type and your specific plan. If a change happened further back than that, it may no longer be recoverable through version history alone, so check your current plan's retention details if you're relying on this for long-term backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my current version if I restore an older one?

No β€” the version you restore over isn't deleted. It just gets kept as an earlier entry in the version list, so you can switch back to it if needed.

How far back does OneDrive's version history go?

It's typically around 30 days for most files, though this can vary by file type and plan, so check your account's current details if you need a specific number.