Restoring Previous Versions of a Document in Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams automatically saves changes to documents in real time. Every edit is tracked using version history, allowing you to review or restore a previous version if needed.

This feature is especially useful when: - Content is accidentally deleted or overwritten - You want to revert to a prior version of a file - You need to compare changes over time

Where Version History Is Managed

Version history is not accessed directly in Teams, but through the file’s storage location:

• Channel files → stored in SharePoint
• Chat files → stored in OneDrive

Restoring a Previous Version (Files in Channels)

Step 1: Go to the Files Tab

1. In Teams, go to Teams > select the appropriate Channel.
2. Click the Files tab at the top.
3. Locate the file you want to restore.

Step 2: Open in SharePoint

1. Click the ellipsis (⋯) next to the file.

2. Choose Open in SharePoint.

   

   This opens the SharePoint document library in your browser.

Step 3: Access Version History

1. In SharePoint, find the file.
2. Click the ellipsis (⋯) next to the file name or right-click it.

3. Select Version history.

   

   Step 4: Review and Restore

• You’ll see a list of previous versions with timestamps and editor names.
• Click View to preview a version.

• Click Restore to make it the current version.

  

  > The restored version will now appear as the newest version.

Restoring a Previous Version (Files in Chats)

Step 1: Go to the Chat and Files Tab

1. Open the Chat where the file was shared.
2. Click the Files tab.
3. Click on the file name to open it in Office Online.

Step 2: Open Version History from OneDrive

1. In the browser, click File > Info.
2. Select Version History.

3. A panel will appear on the right with all available versions.

   

   Click Open version to view or Restore to revert to that version.

Notes

• Only users with edit permissions can restore a file.
• Restoring a file does not delete the newer versions — they remain in history.
• Teams maintains version history automatically — no need to enable it.

Best Practices

• Use version history instead of downloading backups manually.
• Communicate with team members before restoring to avoid confusion.
• Consider making a copy of an older version before restoring, if unsure.