How to go back to previous save version in Excel?
In some times, we may accidently close the workbook without saving, so how can we go back to the previous saved version while opening it next time in Excel? In this article, I introduce some tricks that may do a favor for solving this job.
Go back to previous save version with Recover function
Go back to previous version with Kutools for Excel’s Snapshot
Go back to previous save version with Recover function
In Excel, if you do not save the workbook but accidently close it, you can use the Recover function to go back to the previous saved version.
Enable the Excel, then you can see the Document Recovery pane in the left of the Excel workbook, click at the version you want to recover from the pane, then it will open the relative workbook with last saved version.
Go back to previous version with Kutools for Excel’s Snapshot
Sometimes, it will save your time by taking a snapshot of the current workbook for backing up a temporal copy of it in your Excel, if you need to go back to the previous version of your current workbook while editing the workbook. Kutools for Excel's Track Snap feature can help you temporally backup the workbook at any time and recover your workbook to any backup versions with one click in Excel.
After installing Kutools for Excel, please do as below:（Free Download Kutools for Excel Now!)
1. click Kutools > Snap >Track Snap to take a snapshot of the current version of the active workbook.
2. Then a Kutools for Excel dialog to give the snap a name.
3. click Ok. Then before you closing or saving the workbook, you can go back to any version you have taken snap in the snap list with a click.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Feature | Excel Document Recovery | Kutools Track Snap |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Recovering an unsaved workbook after Excel or the workbook closes unexpectedly | Creating restore points while editing and returning to an earlier workbook version |
| When the backup is created | Automatically created by Excel when recovery data is available | Manually created whenever you take a snapshot |
| Preparation required | No manual backup is required beforehand | You must create snapshots before changes need to be reversed |
| How to recover | Open Excel and select the desired version from the Document Recovery pane | Open the snapshot list and click the version you want to restore |
| Snapshot naming | Recovery versions are managed automatically by Excel | Each snapshot can be given a custom name |
| Recovery timing | Mainly used after the workbook closes without saving | Can be used while the workbook is still open and being edited |
| Main advantage | Provides a built-in way to recover work after an unexpected closure | Offers greater control by allowing multiple restore points to be created manually |
| Recommended use | Best for recovering from accidental closing, crashes, or unsaved changes | Best for complex editing tasks where you may need to test changes and return to an earlier version |
Conclusion
Returning to a previous version of an Excel workbook depends on whether you need to recover an unsaved file or prepare restore points before making changes.
Use Excel’s built-in Document Recovery feature when a workbook closes unexpectedly without saving and a recoverable version is available. After reopening Excel, you can select the desired version directly from the Document Recovery pane.
For greater control while editing, Kutools for Excel’s Track Snap allows you to create named snapshots of the current workbook and return to any saved snapshot with one click. This is especially useful before modifying formulas, reorganizing data, or testing major workbook changes.
Choose Document Recovery for unexpected data loss, or use Track Snap to create restore points in advance and work with complex changes more confidently.
Best Office Productivity Tools
Supercharge Your Excel Skills with Kutools for Excel, and Experience Efficiency Like Never Before. Kutools for Excel Offers Over 300 Advanced Features to Boost Productivity and Save Time. Click Here to Get The Feature You Need The Most...
Office Tab Brings Tabbed interface to Office, and Make Your Work Much Easier
- Enable tabbed editing and reading in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access, Visio and Project.
- Open and create multiple documents in new tabs of the same window, rather than in new windows.
- Increases your productivity by 50%, and reduces hundreds of mouse clicks for you every day!
All Kutools add-ins. One installer
Kutools for Office suite bundles add-ins for Excel, Word, Outlook & PowerPoint plus Office Tab Pro, which is ideal for teams working across Office apps.
- All-in-one suite — Excel, Word, Outlook & PowerPoint add-ins + Office Tab Pro
- One installer, one license — set up in minutes (MSI-ready)
- Works better together — streamlined productivity across Office apps
- 30-day full-featured trial — no registration, no credit card
- Best value — save vs buying individual add-in