Microsoft 365 automatically saves versions of your files as you work. This means if something gets deleted, changed, or overwritten by mistake — you can usually go back and recover it.
Where Version History Works
You can view previous versions of files stored in:
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OneDrive
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SharePoint (including document libraries accessed through Teams)
This applies to common file types like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDFs, and more.
How to View Version History
From a Browser (OneDrive or SharePoint)
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Go to onedrive.com or open your SharePoint site.
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Find the file.
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Right-click the file and choose Version history.
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You’ll see a list of past versions — click the date to preview or Restore to bring that version back.
From File Explorer (Windows)
If you’re using OneDrive via File Explorer:
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Right-click the file.
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Choose View online — this opens the file in your browser.
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From there, use the browser method above.
Notes About Version History
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You can restore older versions, but they don’t merge — the restored version replaces the current one.
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Versions are kept for 30–90 days depending on company policy or storage activity.
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If a file was fully deleted, check the Recycle Bin first. Deleted files are recoverable for up to 30 days.
Accidentally Deleted a File?
To Recover a Deleted File:
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Go to onedrive.com
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Click Recycle bin on the left menu
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Select the file and click Restore
If you're in SharePoint:
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Go to the site
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Click Recycle Bin from the left sidebar
⚠️ Deleted files are purged after 30 days. Once purged, they can’t be recovered.
Still Need Help?
If you can't locate a version or deleted file, submit a ticket at support.parkerbass.com