How to Use Windows File History to Recover Previous Versions of a File or Folder on Windows 11

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to Use Windows File History to Recover Previous Versions of a File or Folder on Windows 11. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Windows File History is a built-in backup tool in Windows 11 that automatically saves copies of your files to an external drive or network location. If you accidentally delete a document, overwrite a spreadsheet, or need to revert to an earlier version of a file, File History allows you to restore previous versions without needing third-party software.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder containing the file.
2. Right-click the file or folder and select Properties.
3. Click the Previous Versions tab.
4. Select a version from the list and click Restore.

Detailed Instructions

Restore a Previous Version of a File

1. Open File Explorer (Win + E).
2. Navigate to the folder where the file is stored.
3. Right-click the file and select Properties from the context menu.
4. Click the Previous Versions tab.
5. You will see a list of available versions with dates and times. Select the version you want to recover.
6. To view the file before restoring, click Open.
7. Click Restore to replace the current file with the previous version, or click the drop-down arrow next to Restore and select Restore to to save it to a different location.
8. Click OK to confirm.

Restore a Deleted Folder

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to the parent folder where the deleted folder used to exist.
3. Right-click in an empty space within that folder and select Properties.
4. Click the Previous Versions tab.
5. Select a version of the parent folder from before the deletion occurred.
6. Click Open to browse the contents of that previous version.
7. Copy the deleted folder from the previous version window and paste it back into the current folder.

Check If File History Is Turned On

1. Click Start and type Control Panel, then press Enter.
2. Select System and Security > File History.
3. If File History is off, click Turn on. You will need an external drive or network location connected to save backups.
4. To change backup settings, click Advanced settings to adjust how often copies are saved and how long versions are kept.

Troubleshooting

"No previous versions available" message

• Ensure the external backup drive is connected to your computer.
• Verify File History is enabled in Control Panel > System and Security > File History.
• Confirm the file is stored in a monitored folder such as Documents or Desktop.

Restore button is greyed out

• Make sure you have selected a version from the list before clicking Restore.
• Check that you have permission to modify the file or folder.

File History drive not recognised

• Disconnect and reconnect the external drive.
• Try a different USB port.
• In File History settings, click Select drive and choose the drive again.

If you cannot recover your files using File History, you can Open a Ticket with 220 Internet Services for further assistance.

For more backup guidance, see our article on How to backup photos to external drive.

Still Having Issues?