How to Restore Previous Versions of Files in Windows

File versioning in Windows allows users to retrieve earlier states of files without relying on third-party tools or external recovery systems.

It is embedded in the operating system’s core functionality and provides specific features, such as File History or Shadow Copy, that are configured in advance.

This guide outlines multiple recovery methods based on native tools available in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Whether you’re working from a standalone PC or managing files across a domain network, you’ll find solutions here that align with typical system setups and administrative policies.

How Windows Handles File Versioning

File History

File History creates incremental copies of personal files stored in Libraries, Desktop, Contacts, and Favorites.

It writes these snapshots to an external drive or network share. Available since Windows 8, it remains active in Windows 10 and 11 but must be manually configured.

Shadow Copies (Volume Snapshot Service)

Shadow Copies allow the system to capture snapshots of files on NTFS volumes during restore point creation.

This feature runs automatically on Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise editions if System Protection is enabled. It operates in the background without prompting the user.

Backup and Restore (Windows 7)

Despite its legacy branding, Backup and Restore remains functional in modern versions of Windows.

It creates full or partial file backups on schedule. These backups can include versioning data if configured correctly.

OneDrive Versioning

When file syncing is enabled in Microsoft OneDrive, it maintains its own cloud-based file history. This feature operates independently of local File History or Shadow Copies.

Underlying File System Requirements

Only NTFS volumes support version snapshots. FAT32 and exFAT drives lack the metadata structures needed for native file versioning. This is especially relevant when working with external storage.

Method 1: Using File History to Restore Previous Versions

Before you begin: Ensure File History is already configured and pointing to a valid backup location, such as an external drive or mapped network share.

Open the File’s Location in File Explorer
Navigate to the folder where the file or folder was initially saved. Right-click on the item you want to restore.
Select “Properties” from the Context Menu
In the Properties window, switch to the Previous Versions tab. Windows will list available historical versions sourced from File History or restore points.
Review the Available Versions
Each entry will include a timestamp. Select a version and click Open to preview it. This lets you verify the file’s contents before restoring.
Restore or Copy the Version
Choose Restore to overwrite the current version, or Copy to save it elsewhere. Use Copy to compare versions side-by-side.
Confirm File Integrity After Recovery
Once restored, open the file to ensure data consistency. Some formatting or recent changes may not carry over, depending on snapshot frequency.
Recheck File History Settings if Nothing Appears
If no versions are listed, File History may not have been enabled when the file was modified. Many people assume Windows does this automatically.

Method 2: Using System Restore / Shadow Copies

System Restore relies on Shadow Copies, a Windows feature that silently captures snapshots of files and system state during update events or driver changes.

These snapshots are stored on the same NTFS volume and can be used to recover overwritten files, provided System Protection was turned on at the time.

This method is available on Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and some Windows 11 editions. It requires no external drive or prior File History configuration.

Open File Explorer and Navigate to the Affected File or Folder
Locate the file or folder you want to recover. Right-click it and choose Properties.
Switch to the “Previous Versions” Tab
If System Restore has captured snapshots, you’ll see a list of prior states with timestamps. Each reflects the file or folder at that specific moment.
Preview the Snapshot Before Restoring
Click Open to examine the previous version without making changes. It opens in read-only mode, letting you verify its contents.
Click “Restore” or “Copy”
Select Restore to replace the current version or Copy to duplicate the earlier version elsewhere. Choose wisely if the file has changed significantly.
Enable System Protection If No Versions Are Visible
Access System Properties > System Protection, then configure restore settings for the desired drive. This activates snapshot logging for future changes.

Even if you weren’t using File History, there’s a chance Shadow Copies quietly archived the version you need. Worth checking.

Method 3: Recovering Older Files from Backup and Restore (Windows 7)

Backup and Restore (Windows 7) provides a scheduled full or partial file backup mechanism. Users can manually browse backup sets, mount them, and recover files individually.

This method stores historical file states in dated folders, often in compressed format on external drives.

It remains available in Windows 10 and 11, though somewhat hidden behind the modern Settings interface.

Open Control Panel > Backup and Restore (Windows 7)
Use the search bar in Control Panel to locate this legacy interface. Click the result to open the main recovery dashboard.
Click “Restore My Files” or “Select Another Backup to Restore Files From”
Choose the source backup set. If the backup was created on another machine, select “Browse for files” or “Browse for folders.”
Select and Restore Specific Items
Use the date labels to locate earlier file versions. Click Add files, then proceed to restore them to their original or a custom location.
Review Recovered Files for Accuracy
After restoration, open the file and check its revision state. Some older versions may reflect the last incremental change rather than the complete snapshot.
This feature often surprises users as it still runs quietly on systems where it was once configured. Check your external drives; you might find more than expected.

Method 4: Using Windows File Recovery Tool (Advanced Users)

Windows File Recovery is a command-line utility available from the Microsoft Store. It enables recovery of files deleted from NTFS, exFAT, or ReFS file systems. Unlike File History, it works even when no prior backup exists, provided the disk sectors remain unallocated.

This method is suitable when files are deleted by mistake or lost during formatting.

Download and Install Windows File Recovery
Open the Microsoft Store. Search for Windows File Recovery and install it. Launch the tool via the Start Menu or Command Prompt (Admin).
Identify the Source and Destination Volumes
You’ll need to know which drive the deleted file was on, and where to save recovered data. The destination must be separate from the source.
Run the Recovery Command
Use syntax:Replace volume letters and path details based on your case: use the extensive mode for formatted drives
Review the Recovered Files
Once complete, check the recovery destination. Files may have cryptic names or partial fragments. Sorting by file type can speed up inspection.
This tool requires focus because mistyped commands won’t help you much. Microsoft’s official documentation includes additional syntax for filtering and mode selection.

Limitations and When Recovery May Fail

Even with built-in recovery features, Windows file restoration is bound by specific conditions. Several system and user factors influence whether recovery is technically feasible.

System Protection must be enabled for Shadow Copies to exist
If not active during the file’s lifetime, no version will appear in the Previous Versions tab.
File History only tracks locations it’s configured to monitor
Files outside Libraries, Desktop, Contacts, and Favorites aren’t covered unless manually added to a monitored folder.
Recovery fails if the file system is not NTFS
Version snapshots and metadata tracking require NTFS. USB drives formatted as FAT32 or exFAT won’t support version history.
Files overwritten repeatedly may lose all historical references
Once a new version replaces an old one without a backup point, Windows removes the previous state from most tracking systems.
Disk cleanup utilities may remove Shadow Copies
Scheduled cleanups or third-party tools often purge restore points and volume snapshots without prompting.
Encrypted files may be unrecoverable without the matching certificate
If the original encryption key is missing, recovery results in inaccessible data—even if the file structure returns.