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Version history

Every edit a SharePoint file has ever had, one right-click away — open an old version or roll back safely, without a browser.

Last updated: July 2026

SharePoint keeps a version each time a file is edited. Dockli surfaces that trail inline so you can review who changed what, open an earlier copy, or restore a previous version — all from the file list.

Version history & metadata
Version history & metadata
Watch:Version history & metadata — Restore any version, edit SharePoint columns inline.

Opening version history

Select a single file, then open its history one of two ways:

  • Right-click the file and choose “Version History”.
  • Or open the file’s inspector pane, scroll to More Actions, and click “Version History”.

Both take you to the same view, headed Version History, with a back arrow to return to the file’s properties.

One file at a time

Version history is a single-file feature — the “Version History” entry appears only when exactly one file is selected.

Reading the version list

Each version is a row showing:

  • The author — the person who saved that version (or Unknown if SharePoint doesn’t report one), with their avatar.
  • A relative time — when it was saved (for example 3 days ago).
  • The size of that version, when available.
  • A version label such as v512.

Acting on a version

Hover a row and click the (More actions) button to open its menu:

  • “Open this version” — opens that specific version in a new window so you can view it without changing anything. (Disabled if that version has no download link.)
  • “Restore this version” — makes the chosen version the current one.

Restoring is non-destructive

Restoring does not overwrite or erase history. SharePoint creates a brand-new version at the top of the list that’s a copy of the one you restored, so nothing is lost and you can always restore again. After a restore, Dockli refreshes the list and the new top version appears immediately.

Restoring needs edit rights

You can view version history for any file you can open, but restoring a version requires edit permission on the file in SharePoint. Without it, the restore will be refused.

Loading, empty and error states

  • Loading — placeholder shimmer rows appear while Dockli fetches the versions.
  • No history — if the file has never been edited, you’ll see “No version history” with the hint “Versions appear once this file has been edited at least once.”
  • Error — if the list can’t load, Dockli shows “Couldn’t load versions” with the reason and a Retry button.

Under the hood, Dockli reads versions from its local service at /api/files/{id}/versions and restores through the same endpoint — your SharePoint permissions always apply.

Still stuck? Email support@dockli.io — a human replies within one business day. Or book a demo.