Files saved in OneDrive, SharePoint and Teams keep a history of earlier versions, and deleted files go to a recycle bin first. That means you can usually undo a bad edit or bring back a deleted file yourself. This guide shows you how.
Restore an earlier version of a file
Use this when a file has been changed, overwritten or corrupted and you want an older copy back.
From Word, Excel or PowerPoint
- Open the file.
- Select the file name at the top of the window, then Version History. In some versions, go to File > Info > Version History instead.
- Select a version to open it in a separate window and check it's the one you want.
- Select Restore to make it the current version.
From OneDrive or SharePoint in your browser
- Find the file (in Teams, select Files > Open in SharePoint).
- Right-click the file, or select ... next to it, and choose Version history.
- Find the version you want by its date and time. Select ... next to it and choose Restore.
From File Explorer (synced files)
Right-click the file and choose OneDrive > Version history (on Windows 11 you may need Show more options first).
Restoring doesn't delete newer versions. They stay in the history, so you can change your mind.
Recover a deleted file
- Open OneDrive or the SharePoint site in your browser.
- Select Recycle bin (in OneDrive it's in the left menu; in SharePoint it's usually in the left menu or under Site contents).
- Select the file or folder and choose Restore. It goes back to its original location.
If it's not there, scroll to the bottom of the SharePoint recycle bin and select Second-stage recycle bin. Items land there when someone empties the first recycle bin. Depending on your permissions, you may need the site owner to restore from there.
Microsoft generally keeps deleted files for up to 93 days across both recycle bin stages, but your organisation's settings may change this. Version history is also limited to a set number of versions. If you need something older, contact the service desk as soon as possible.
Restore your whole OneDrive
If lots of files have been changed or deleted at once, for example by malware, a bad sync or a mistake, you can roll your whole OneDrive back to an earlier point in the last 30 days.
- Go to OneDrive in your browser.
- Select Settings (the gear icon) > Restore your OneDrive (it may be under OneDrive settings).
- Choose a date, review the activity chart, and select Restore.
If you think the changes were caused by ransomware or someone else using your account, stop and call 1300 079 636 before restoring anything. See What to do if your account is compromised.
Still stuck?
If you can't find the version or file you need, log a ticket with the file name, its location, and roughly when it changed or was deleted.