How to Restore Previous Version of Excel File?

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Recovering previous versions of Excel files can be done in several ways. Sometimes unexpected events such as closing files, shutting down the system or failure of programs can cause files not to be saved and may lose data. However, Excel has features that can help recover these unsaved files. Such features are the AutoRecover feature which automatically saves versions of files. In this article we will talk about different ways to recover previous Excel files using built-in functions of Excel and Windows.

Methods to Restore Previous Version of Excel File

Method 1: Use Document Recovery Pane in Excel

Microsoft Excel’s Document Recovery pane reviews, opens, and saves recovered files. Use the Document Recovery tab to restore the file if Excel unexpectedly closes without saving changes. To restore files using the document recovery window, follow these steps:

  • Open Microsoft Excel
  • Click on “Show recovered files”
  • The document recovery panel will appear showing the recovered files.

Method 2: Use the Manage Workbook Option in Excel

Workbook manager settings can be used to retrieve older Excel files:

  • When ready, open Excel and select File.
  • Workbook Management Alternatives
  • Click “Recover Unsaved Workbooks”
  • Click Open after selecting the file.
  • After opening the file, select “Save as” from the File menu to save the file list. 

Method 3: Use the File History Feature in Windows

Steps to restore a prior Excel file using Windows File History:

  • Choose the relevant file on your system, then right-click and select Properties.
  • Open the dialogue box and click “Previous”
  • Hit “Recover Previous Version of Excel File”
  • Choose the file from the previous version list.
  • After clicking “Open”, click “OK”. 

Method 4: Change Recovery Settings

Steps to modify auto recovery recording range:

  • File tab
  • Click “Options”
  • The Excel Options dialogue opens.
  • Click “Record”
  • Click log.
  • Choose how often to save automatic recovery data.
  • Click “OK” 

Method 5: Recover Unsaved Workbook Versions

If automatic recovery is enabled, the unsaved version can be found in the Backstage view by following these steps:

  • Click File Tab
  • Move to the version history section if necessary.
  • Select the automatically saved version of the file from the list of recovered files

If the desired version is not in the latest list, click the Manage Workbook button and select “Recover Unsaved Workbooks” to check if the version is available.

Method 6: Online Version History

Simply by following these procedures, you will be able to check the version history of files that have been saved online:

  • For the name bar button, click on it.
  • Choose the “Generation History” option.
  • In this section, you will be able to view all of the modifications that have been made to the file.
  • Select the file you wish to recover and then click on the “Open Version” button.
  • Keep additional copies of the file, or select the “Recover” button to retrieve the original. 

How to Restore Previous Version of Excel File after Saving

Solution 1: Upgrade Excel to a previous version from the previous version under Properties

Following these instructions will allow you to restore an Excel file to an older version using a programme that is compatible with earlier versions:

  • In the query, right-click on the Excel file, and then pick “Properties” from the context menu.
  • Select the “Previous” tab from the “Properties” menu on your computer.
  • To restore the file, select the version you want to restore, and then click the “Restore” button. 

Solution 2: Upgrade Excel to its previous version using Manage Workbook

Through the use of the Workbook Manager tool, the following actions must be taken in order to restore an Excel file to an earlier version:

  • Launch the most recent version of the file.
  • Find the “Manage Workbook” option by going to File > Info and clicking on it.
  • The “Recover” button should be clicked once the “Manage Workbook” box has been navigated to the version of the file that you wish to recover. 

Bonus Tips: How to Recover Lost or Deleted Excel Files Using Data Recovery Tool

If you accidentally delete an Excel file, WinfrGUI can retrieve it. Like this:

  • Step 1: Choose Location Choose the drive where you think the lost Excel files are in WinfrGUI. Pick which file types you want to get back.
  • Step 2: Look for Excel files that have been deleted. Start searching with WinfrGUI to find all the recoverable files on the given drive.
  • Step 3: Look at the deleted Excel files and get them back. WinfrGUI shows a list of files it found after the check. You can look at the restored Excel files and choose which ones to restore. The ‘Recover’ button makes it easy to get back Excel files.

WinfrGUI makes recovering lost or deleted Excel files easy. Download WinfrGUI immediately to easily access your essential data. 

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the foregoing methods give several ways to restore older Excel files. If files are corrupted, Microsoft’s Open and Repair application or WinfrGUI can help repair severely damaged files and restore data flawlessly. Recording your work often will help you avoid losing important data if your computer fails.

Also Read: How to retrieve word document not saved？