How to recover older version of an excel file？

​Recovering an older version of an Excel file can be crucial when you accidentally overwrite important data or if the file becomes corrupted. 

1. Check for AutoRecover Files

Excel has an AutoRecover feature that saves your work at regular intervals. Here’s how to access these files:

Open Excel: Launch the application.

Go to File: Click on “File” in the upper left corner.

Select Info: Click on “Info” from the menu on the left.

Manage Workbook: Look for “Manage Workbook” or “Manage Versions.” Here, you may see any autosaved versions.

Open Autosaved Versions: Click on the autosaved version to review and save it if it’s the one you need.

2. Use the Document Recovery Task Pane

If Excel crashes, it may display the Document Recovery pane the next time you open it:

Reopen Excel: If it didn’t automatically open, launch Excel again.

Document Recovery Pane: Check for any listed files in the pane. These are usually autosaved versions.

Select a Version: Click on a file to open it. Save it immediately if it’s the correct version.

3. Restore from OneDrive or SharePoint

If you are using Excel with OneDrive or SharePoint, you can restore previous versions:

Open OneDrive/SharePoint: Go to the site where your file is stored.

Locate Your File: Navigate to the folder containing your Excel file.

Version History: Right-click on the file and select “Version History.”

Choose a Version: Review the available versions, select one, and click “Restore” or “Open.”

4. Use File History in Windows

If you have enabled File History on your Windows computer, you can restore previous versions of files:

Navigate to the File: Locate your Excel file in File Explorer.

Right-click on the File: Select “Properties” from the context menu.

Previous Versions Tab: Click on the “Previous Versions” tab.

Select a Version: Choose a version from the list and click “Restore” to recover it.

5. Check Temporary Files

Excel may create temporary files that you can use to recover your work:

Open the Temporary Files Folder: Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and press Enter.

Look for Excel Files: Search for files with the extension .xls, .xlsx, or files that begin with “~” or “$”.

Open the Files: Try opening any relevant files to see if they contain your lost data.

6. Use Backup Copies

If you have enabled the option to always create backup copies in Excel, you can recover a backup:

Locate the Original File: Open the folder where your Excel file is saved.

Look for Backup Files: Backup copies typically have the same name as the original file but with the extension .xlk.

Open and Save: Open the backup file and save it as a new file.

7. Employ Data Recovery Software

If none of the above methods work, you might consider using third-party data recovery software. Here’s how to do it:

Choose a Recovery Tool: 

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Install and Run the Software: Follow the instructions to install the recovery tool on your computer.

Scan for Deleted Files: Use the software to scan for deleted Excel files in the location where they were stored.

Preview and Recover: Preview the recoverable files and select the ones you want to restore.

8. Reach Out for IT Support

If you’re working in an organization and none of these options are successful, consider reaching out to your IT department. They may have additional backup solutions in place or access to more advanced recovery tools.

Best Practices to Prevent Future Data Loss

To minimize the risk of losing important data in the future, consider the following:

Enable AutoSave: If you use OneDrive or SharePoint, enable AutoSave to save your work automatically.

Regular Backups: Manually back up your Excel files regularly, especially important ones.

Use Version Control: Save copies of your files with date-stamped filenames to keep track of different versions.

Check AutoRecover Settings: Adjust your AutoRecover settings in Excel to save more frequently.