Understanding how to recover previous versions of Excel files is crucial in cases where Excel or your PC suddenly shuts down without saving your workbook at all. The built-in AutoRecover and AutoSave features save your work regularly, depending on your settings. Thankfully, the workflow is not as difficult as it may seem. This article guides you through the entire process on Windows, Mac, and online.

Part 1: How to Recover the Previous Version of an Excel File on a PC

Once you turn on the AutoSave mode or set up AutoRecover, MS Excel will automatically save your workbook frequently. If you close the file without saving it or Excel suddenly closes, you can recover a previous version of an Excel file.

Step 1. Open the most recent version of your Excel file.

Step 2. Go to the File menu.

Step 3. Click the Info option and choose Version History.

Step 4. Then, you will get all previous versions of the file on the Version History pane.

Step 5. Choose the right version to open it.

Step 6. Check the file and click the Restore button.

Note: If you have never saved the Excel file, click the link of You can copy content from this version or save this version as a separate file instead of the Restore button.

Part 2: How to Recover the Previous Version of an Excel File on Mac

The AutoRecover feature is available in MS Excel for Mac. It means that you can recover the previous version of an Excel file on your MacBook in various situations. The workflow is a little different. Here is the complete process:

Step 1. Open the Excel file you wish to recover.

Step 2. Go to the File menu and choose Browse Version History.

Step 3. Next, click Open Version to view file history versions.

Step 4. Click a version on the Version History pane.

Step 5. If the version is right, click the Restore button. If not, click another version.

Part 3: How to Recover the Previous Version of an Excel File via OneDrive

Some users log in to Office with their MS accounts. That allows them to back up documents and workbooks to OneDrive online. The good news is that you can recover previous versions of Excel files online.

Step 1. Open MS Excel.

Step 2. Click the title bar and choose Version History.

Step 3. Choose a proper version for the desired file.

Step 4. Next, click the Restore button or the link on the Previous Version bar.

Part 4: How to Recover the Previous Version of an Excel File from SharePoint

SharePoint is an independent MS product for creating websites and content management. However, it also allows you to recover the previous version of excel file. Here are the steps to find any previous version of your workbook.

Step 1. Run SharePoint and click the File button.

Step 2. Double-click the Excel file you want to recover.

Step 3. Click the file name at the top and choose Version History.

Step 4. Next, choose a version on the pane.

Step 5. Then, click Restore to recover the file or click Save a Copy to save as another file.

Part 5: How to Recover Excel Files with No Previous Version

If you cannot find the Excel file from version history, try Apeaksoft Data Recovery. It is able to recover an overwritten Excel file with no previous version. More importantly, the user-friendly interface makes it easy to use.

How to Recover Excel Files with No Previous Version

Step 1. Scan your disk

Launch the Excel file recovery software after installing it on your PC. There is another version for Mac. Choose the Hard Drive Recovery mode, pick the right disk, and click Start Scan. If your Excel file is saved on an external hard drive, choose the USB / SD Card Recovery mode and click Scan Disk.

Step 2. Preview Excel files

Once the disk scan is done, go to the Type List tab and choose Document. Now, you can view all recoverable Excel files. The Filter option enables you to quickly locate a specific Excel file.

Step 3. Recover Excel files

Select the files you want to get back and click the Recover button. Set an output folder and confirm Excel recovery.

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