SharePoint - Files - How do I restore previous versions of files

Summary

This article explains how SharePoint versioning allows users to view and restore earlier versions of files. Each version records the date, time, and user who made the change. Restoring a version replaces the current file, helping recover previous content if needed.

Body

Self-Help Article (External)

Intended Audience: Faculty, staff and students

Purpose

This article guides users on how to restore a previous version of a file in SharePoint.

Requirements

A computer with a web browser.
Valid O-Key credentials to sign in.

Step-by-Step Procedures

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.

In a web browser, go to http://cowboymail.okstate.edu,
Click the App Launcher in the top left, and select “SharePoint”.
Navigate to the file you wish to restore to a previous version.
When you place the mouse over the file, a vertical ellipsis (⋮) should appear.
Click the ellipsis (⋮) and select “Version History”.
Hover the mouse over the time stamp of the version you wish to restore and click the triangle that appears next to the time stamp to open the drop down menu. Restoring a previous version will replace the current version.

Details

Article ID: 20279

Created

Fri 9/12/25 11:33 AM

Modified

Thu 2/26/26 12:33 PM