How to View Excel Files Version History (And Restore Previous Versions)
It’s like going back in time
Did you know that you can view and restore previous versions of workbooks using the version history in Excel? From changes made by collaborators to those you make mistakenly, you can rescue that spreadsheet easily.
In Microsoft Excel on Windows, Mac, and the web along with OneDrive and SharePoint, you have a variety of ways to see the version history of your workbook. You can see the change, find the mistake, or restore the entire file in just minutes.
About Microsoft Excel Version History
Seeing the version history for a Microsoft Excel workbook has many benefits and can be especially useful whencollaborating with others. You may want to see who changed what, when the last edit took place, or even restore a previous version.
In order to use the version history in Excel, keep the following in mind:
Tip: If you’re in the habit ofsaving your Excel files locally by default, consider switching to the AutoSave feature using OneDrive to safely store the workbook.
Version History in Excel on Windows
You can easily view the version history, see the edits, and restore a previous version of an Excel file on Windows.
When you finish with the version history sheet, you can simply close it like any other Excel document.
Tip: Having trouble uploading your file? Look at thesefixes for the “Upload Blocked” error for OneDriveon Windows.
If you have Office 2016 through 2021, you access Excel’s version history option a bit differently. With your workbook open, selectFile>History.
If you don’t see History in the File navigation, you could have a subscription version of Microsoft 365. In this case, chooseFile>Infoand selectVersion History.
Version History in Excel on Mac
It’s just as easy to see the version history for an Excel file on Mac as it is on Windows.
Simply close the version history sidebar using theXon the top right when you finish.
Tip: If you’re having trouble syncing OneDrive on your Mac, check out these fixes.
If you have an older version of Excel on Mac, or one other than Microsoft 365, you can just selectFile>Browse Version History.
Version History in Excel on the Web
Seeing the version history for a workbook in Excel, OneDrive, or SharePoint on the web is similar to that on Windows and Mac. Plus, you can restore a previous version just as easily.
When you finish viewing the version history, selectBack to documenton the top left of the sheet.
Excel Version History to the Rescue
From business financials to product inventory to household budgets, we use Microsoft Excel for a variety of purposes. Being able to see changes made by others or when we made an error in a sheet can be crucial. Thankfully, Excel’s version history is available to help view and restore previous versions.
Now that you know how to see version history in Excel, check out our tutorial forautomatically backing up files to OneDrive or Google Driveto keep them safe from data loss.
Sandy Writtenhouse is a freelance technology writer and former Project, Department, and Program Manager. She turned her education, job experience, and love of technology into a full-time writing career. With all sorts of gadgets in her home and her hands, she seeks to help others make life easier through technology.Read Sandy’s Full Bio
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