Use version history to restore an earlier file
See every saved version of a file, download an old one, restore it or upload a new version.
When you replace a file in Drive, the earlier copy is not lost. Drive keeps the versions so you can look back and restore one if a change was a mistake.
Open the version list
- In Drive, find the file.
- Open its menu (the three-dot button, or right-click) and choose Versions.
- A list shows each version number (v1, v2 and so on), the date and time, who saved it and its size. The newest is marked current.
Restore a previous version
- In the list, find the version you want.
- Choose Restore on that row.
- It becomes the current version. Earlier versions remain in the list, so you can switch back again.
You need Editor access or higher to restore. Viewers and commenters can look at the list.
Download a version
Each row has a download button, Download version N. Use it to compare an old copy on your computer without changing the current file.
Upload a new version
Instead of uploading a second file with a similar name, add a new version of the same one.
- Open Versions on the file.
- Choose Upload a new version and pick the file.
- The new file becomes the current version and the old one stays in the history.
This keeps one link and one set of sharing settings for the file, so people always open the most recent version.
Documents, spreadsheets and presentations
Documents, spreadsheets and presentations made in PGB Business have their own Version history inside the editor, with Save version to name a version and Restore to return to one. Restoring first saves the current content as a version, so you can undo it.
Tips
- Name an important snapshot (for example before a big edit) using Save version in the editor.
- Versions count toward your storage. A file that is replaced often uses more space; check the Storage meter in the Drive sidebar.
- A file in the trash can be restored within 30 days, versions included.
Common problems
- I cannot see Restore. You only have view or comment access. Ask the owner for Editor.
- The older version is not the one I remember. Download a few versions and compare them before restoring.