How to Restore Previous Version SharePoint [2025 Guide]

Accidentally overwrote or deleted a file in SharePoint? Don’t worry, you can easily recover it using the Version History feature. I’m here to explain how to restore previous version SharePoint with the right set of instructions and appropriate methods.

So, first, let me know if you have proper knowledge about the Version history feature? If not, then don’t worry, I’ll explain that in simple language. 

What is Version History in SharePoint?

The Version History feature in SharePoint tracks changes made to files and list items over time. Whenever you edit or update a file stored in a SharePoint document library, SharePoint automatically saves a new version. This allows you to:

• View who made changes and when
• Compare current and past versions
• Restore an older version if needed
• Delete unnecessary versions to manage storage

From my experience, this feature is especially helpful when multiple users collaborate on the same file, because mistakes or unwanted edits can happen anytime.

How to Restore Previous Version SharePoint Step-by-Step

I personally used 3 tricks to recover old SharePoint version history. Next, I’ll explain each:

#Method 1. Document Library

There is a built-in option offered by SharePoint in its Document Library to recover the old version. Here are the steps for the same:

• Go to the SharePoint site and open the Document Library containing the file to restore.
• Hover your mouse over the document name, and click on the three dots.
• Now, from the context menu, choose Version History.
• After clicking, a list will open with all available versions:
  • Modified Date
  • Modified By
  • Comments (if any)
• Click the drop-down arrow next to the version to restore.
• Choose View to preview it, or Restore to make it the current version.
• When prompted, click OK or Restore.

Related article: How to create a workflow in SharePoint

#Method 2. Restore Previous Version SharePoint Lists

You can also restore older versions of SharePoint list items, like tasks or contacts, by:

1. Open the SharePoint list.
2. Hover over the list item and click the three dots (⋯).
3. Choose Version History.
4. In the version history panel, select the version to recover.
5. Click Restore and confirm the prompt.

#Method 3. PowerShell

If you’re an admin or IT professional, you prefer using PowerShell to manage version recovery automatically on multiple sites. If yes, then run these commands to do so:

# Connect to SharePoint site
Connect-PnPOnline -Url https://mackjohntenant.sharepoint.com/sites/mackjohnsite -UseWebLogin
# Get file versions
Get-PnPFileVersion -Url "Shared Documents/Report.xlsx"
# Restore a specific version
Restore-PnPFileVersion -Url "Shared Documents/Report.xlsx" -Identity 3

How Versioning Works in SharePoint

Understanding how versioning works helps you control how much history SharePoint keeps and how much storage it uses.

There are two types of versioning in SharePoint:

1. Major Versions (Published Versions): Used for final or approved changes.
2. Minor Versions (Drafts): Used for drafts or in-progress changes before publishing.

You can configure versioning settings by:

1. Open Document Library settings.
2. Select Versioning Settings under the General Settings section.
3. Set how many versions to retain and content approval.

What If Version History Is Missing?

Sometimes, users are unable to see the version history for a file or list item. Below are the reasons why it happens:

• Versioning is not enabled in the document library.
• You don’t have permission to view previous versions.
• The file was recently uploaded or replaced without versioning turned on.

To fix it:

• Go to Library Settings, then Versioning Settings to ensure it’s properly configured.

Practical Way to Protect Versions During Migration

Till now, you have learned all the possible methods to restore previous version SharePoint. But, what if your company is going through merger, or requirement of restructuring SharePoint sites. In that case, how will you maintain the version history? 

For the same, opt for this trusted SharePoint Online Migration Tool to ensure that all versions, metadata, and permissions remain intact during migration.

Here’s why I recommend it:

• Retains complete version history during transition.
• Supports site, document library, and list migrations.
• Transfers permissions, metadata, and timestamps accurately.
• Includes incremental migration to avoid duplicate data.
• Supports SharePoint tenant to tenant migration.

So if you’re planning a SharePoint reorganisation or tenant-to-tenant move, using this tool can prevent losing important file versions.

Best Practices for Version Management

To make SharePoint version control more effective:

1. Always turn on versioning as soon as you create a new library.
2. Make sure everyone understands how version history works.
3. Limit versions wisely, as too many versions fill up storage.
4. Backup SharePoint Online to local storage.
5. Combine versioning with Microsoft 365 retention policies.

Author’s Verdict

After years of managing SharePoint environments, I’ve learned that version history is one of the most dependable recovery tools Microsoft offers. That’s why I educated you on how to restore previous version SharePoint step by step.