Previous Windows 10/11 version won’t restore? Here’s the fix

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Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Backing your data andrestoring itin the dire need was always an important feature of the Windows platform. However, Microsoft’s meddling with these options made things a lot more complicated. Theinability to restore the previous version of files or directoriesfrom the recovery points made things a lot harder for users.

For that reason, we decided to shed some light on the matter and provided a few solutions (and workarounds). Make sure to check them out below.

Unable to restore the previous version in Windows 10? Here’s what to do

1: Make sure that File History is enabled

In order to load, access, andrestore previous file versions on Windows 10, you’ll need to enable this option it in the System Settings. Of course, you’ll need an external device or a network location to backup your data. After that, plug in the external media, right-click on the file or folder you want to inspect and chooseProperties > Previous Versions.

You can alsouse backups to restore the previous versions, but versioning (various versions of a single file) won’t be available. You’ll be stuck with a single version.

Here’s how to enable File History:

2: Check associated services

If you’ve managed to get the File History protocol up and going but it still fails to deliver, we recommend checking the Recovery points. There are two services which should concern you in this matter. Two services you’ll need to look out for are “Volume Shadow Copy” and “Windows Software Shadow Copy”. Just type Services in the Search bar, and open Services. Once there, navigate to aforementioned services and make sure they’re enabled.

Of course, before navigating to Services, make sure to inspect current System protection is enabled. Here’s where to find it:

3: Create a backup

WithWindows 10, Microsoft ditched some old backup-based features which were rather useful. Luckily, it retained the option to backup everything on a local drive. This way of cautious data preservation can take a lot of storage space. But, if that doesn’t bother you, you can use this feature to backup and later restore files with rather ease.

Here’s how to create a full backup of all your digital belongings inWindows 10:

4: Use a third-party software

Finally, we’re living in the cloud era, where the storage space can be enlarged and accessed from any place. There are a lot of available services you can use to back up the most important files. Some are for Enterprises and some, likeOneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox should be enough to keep the most important files safe and sound.

And, when it comes to interacting with local files without a cloud, we recommend ShadowExplorer. This application can read from Restore points and allow you to access older iterations of files and folders. You can download this nifty utility,here.

That should do it. In case you’re still in need of some extra information or have something to add, feel free to comment in the comments section below.

Previous Windows 10/11 version won’t restore? Here’s the fix#

Unable to restore the previous version in Windows 10? Here’s what to do#

1: Make sure that File History is enabled#

2: Check associated services#

3: Create a backup#

4: Use a third-party software#