How to recover a previous version of a Word document

Sometimes, when working with Microsoft Word documents , we may encounter unexpected situations: accidentally saving unwanted changes, closing the program without saving, or even experiencing computer problems. Fortunately, there are effective ways to recover previous versions of a Word file, either using the software's built-in tools or by using specialized programs.

In this article, we'll show you in detail how to restore a Word file to its previous state, whether using Word's built-in functions , the operating system, or professional recovery tools. With these methods, you can recover lost data and eliminate the stress of dealing with this problem.

Options offered by Microsoft Word to recover previous versions

Microsoft Word includes several features that allow you to restore older versions of a file , provided certain settings are enabled. Here's how to get the most out of these built-in tools.

Auto recovery

If you have AutoSave enabled , Word creates temporary backups while you work on your documents. To restore a file using this feature, follow these steps:

• Opens Microsoft Word and access the menu Archive.
• Choose Information and navigate to Manage documents.
• Click on Recover unsaved documents to search for available files.
• Select the desired file, open it and save it with another name to avoid overwriting the original file.

This function is especially useful in case of unexpected program closures , as it automatically saves the changes made.

Version history

Version history in Word allows you to view and restore previous versions of the same file:

• Open the document in question.
• Click the file title at the top of the window.
• Choose Version historyHere you can see the different versions that have been saved.
• Open the version you need and, if you want to keep it, select Restore.

It is essential that this file has been previously saved to a service such as OneDrive for this option to work effectively.

Recovery from previous versions in Windows

The Windows operating system also allows you to restore files to previous versions , provided that the backup function is enabled beforehand:

• Locate the file in the Windows Explorer.
• Right click on the file and select Properties.
• In the Previous versions, choose the version you want to recover.
• Click on Restore to return to the previous state of the document.

This method depends on File History being enabled on your computer. If you don't have it set up, no previous versions will appear available.

Use data recovery tools

If the native functions of Word and Windows are insufficient or not configured, data recovery programs can be a key solution:

iMyFone D-Back

A software designed to restore deleted or overwritten files. Follow these steps to use it:

• Download and install the application on your computer.
• Select the location where the lost file was located and click Start.
• The program will scan the location and allow you to preview the recoverable files.
• Select the desired file and press Recover.

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

This software offers an intuitive interface for recovering files. It is easy to use:

• Run EaseUS and select the disk where the file was located.
• Click on Find lost data and wait for the scan to finish.
• Find the file in the list, preview it, and save it to a different location.

With software like this, you can even recover unsaved files that were lost after a system failure.

Avoid these problems: activate backups

Preventing document loss is always the best solution . Configure the backup option in Word to automatically save your files:

• Open Word and go to Archive > Options.
• Select the tab Save and check the option Save AutoRecover information every x minutes.
• Also configure Always create a backup for added peace of mind.

With this configuration, your documents will be protected against any unforeseen event.

Recovering a previous version of a Word document is possible thanks to the many tools available, both native and external. Using methods such as version history, backups, and specialized software, you can easily retrieve important information , ensuring your documents are always safe.