Microsoft OneDrive - Files - How to Restore Previous Versions of My Files

Summary

This article explains how OneDrive versioning works and how to restore previous versions of files through File Explorer or the web client. It notes that versioning keeps a record of file changes, but PST files are only retained for 30 days. Step-by-step instructions are provided for restoring or previewing older versions.

Body

Self-Help Article (External)

Purpose

The purpose of this Knowledge Base article is to inform OSU users about OneDrive versioning and provide step-by-step instructions for restoring previous versions of files. This ensures users can recover from accidental changes, deletions, or unwanted edits while maintaining file integrity and continuity.

Versioning is enabled for OneDrive. It creates a record of all changes to files, showing the date/time of each change and the user who made it. Previous versions of files can be restored through File Explorer or the OneDrive web client. Restoring a previous version will replace the current version.

Requirements

Step-by-Step Procedures

Note: As a best practice, PST files should not be uploaded on OneDrive for Business or SharePoint Online team site document libraries due to the impact on storage. If PST files are uploaded, the service will only retain versions for 30 days.

  1. Restoring A Previous Version Using File Explorer

    1. Open File Explorer by clicking the folder icon on your task bar.

      Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)

    2. Navigate to the file in File Explorer.

    3. Right click the file and select "Version History".

    4. Click the ellipsis (...) next to the version you wish to restore and select Restore.

  2. Restore A Previous Version Using A Web Browser

    1. To access OneDrive via the web, go to https://cowboymail.okstate.edu and sign in with your O-Key credentials.

    2. Once logged in, click the App Launcher in the top left and select "OneDrive".

      Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)

    3. Navigate to the file you wish to restore to a previous version.

    4. When the mouse hovers over the file, a vertical ellipsis (...) should appear.

      Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)

    5. Click the ellipsis and select "Version History"

    6. You can select "Restore" to restore an older version or select "Open File" to preview the old version.

 

Details

Details

Article ID: 20226
Created
Fri 8/22/25 10:37 AM
Modified
Mon 3/23/26 9:49 AM

Related Services / Offerings

Related Services / Offerings (1)

One Drive
Employees have access to two sources of file storage, OneDrive and University Servers (Home Drive/H: Drive). OneDrive is a feature of Microsoft® Office 365™, and University Servers which provide Home Drives for personal documents.