To see a document’s history in Word, click the file name at the top of the window and choose Version History, or go to File > Info > Version History. A pane opens with earlier saved versions, who saved them, and when. Click Open version to view one, then Restore to bring it back. Version History only works for files saved to OneDrive or SharePoint. For files on your computer, you’ll need Track Changes, AutoRecover, or Windows File History instead.
How to view version history in Word (Windows or Mac)
- Open the document. Make sure it’s saved to OneDrive or SharePoint. The title bar says Saved to OneDrive or Saved to SharePoint.
- Click the file name in the title bar and choose Version History. Or go to File > Info > Version History.
- In the Version History pane, click Open version under the one you want to see. It opens in a separate, read-only window.
- To go back to that version, click Restore in the yellow bar at the top. To keep both, use Save a Copy instead.
Restoring doesn’t delete the newer versions. They stay in the history, so you can switch back if you change your mind.
How to view version history in Word for the web
- Open the document at office.com.
- Click File > Info > Previous Versions, or click the file name at the top and choose Version History.
- Select a version to preview it, then click Restore or Download.
Compare two versions
To see exactly what changed between versions:
- Open an older version from Version History and use Save a Copy to save it with a new name.
- In the current document, go to Review > Compare > Compare.
- Choose the older copy as the Original document and the current file as the Revised document, then click OK.
Word opens a new document with every addition and deletion marked.
See who changed what with Track Changes
Version History shows saved snapshots. For a line-by-line record of edits, turn on Review > Track Changes before people start editing. Each insertion, deletion, and formatting change is marked with the editor’s name, and you can accept or reject them one by one.
Files saved on your computer
If the document isn’t in OneDrive or SharePoint, Version History is grayed out. Try these instead:
- Recover unsaved versions: Go to File > Info > Manage Document > Recover Unsaved Documents for AutoRecover copies.
- Windows File History or Previous Versions: Right-click the file in File Explorer and choose Properties > Previous Versions. This works only if File History or restore points were turned on.
- Move the file to OneDrive: From then on, Word keeps a version history automatically.
Frequently asked questions
How far back does Word version history go?
For personal OneDrive, versions are generally kept for 30 days. Work or school SharePoint libraries keep a set number of versions, which your admin controls.
Why is Version History grayed out?
The file is stored on your computer or an unsupported location. Save it to OneDrive or SharePoint first.
Can I see who opened a Word document?
Version History shows who saved changes, not who viewed the file. In SharePoint, file owners may see view counts in File > Info or in the file’s details.
Does restoring an old version notify other people?
No, but anyone with the file open will see the restored content once it syncs.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.