How to Recover a Previous Version of a Word Document

If a Word document was overwritten or changed by mistake, do not keep editing the file. First check whether Word, OneDrive, SharePoint, or Windows has an earlier version you can preview and restore.

Best Place to Start

If the file is stored in OneDrive or SharePoint, check version history first. Cloud-backed Office files often have better version recovery than files kept only on a local drive.

Recover an Earlier Office Version

For a saved Office file:

1. Open the document.
2. Go to File > Info.
3. Look for version history or manage document options.
4. Open the version that matches the time before the mistake.
5. Preview it before restoring.
6. Save a separate copy if you are unsure.

Microsoft's Office recovery guidance separates files that were saved from files that were never saved. For saved files, the earlier-version workflow is usually the right place to begin.

If the Document Was Never Saved

Use the unsaved document recovery path instead:

1. Open Word.
2. Go to File > Info > Manage Document.
3. Select Recover Unsaved Documents.
4. Save any recovered file immediately.

If AutoSave Overwrote the File

AutoSave can save changes every few seconds when a file is stored in OneDrive or SharePoint. That is helpful after a crash, but it can also preserve edits you did not intend to keep.

If AutoSave overwrote content, use version history to go back. For future template work, use Save a Copy before making changes.

Local Backup Options

If the document was not stored in OneDrive or SharePoint, check:

• Word AutoRecover files.
• Windows File History, if enabled.
• Backup software.
• Email attachments or shared copies.
• Temporary files.

Sources

• Microsoft Support: Recover an earlier version of an Office file
• Microsoft Support: What is AutoSave?
• Microsoft Support: Recover your Microsoft 365 files