Isn’t it frustrating when you edit a document but miss out on a few critical points? You are sure you had them in other document versions, but how do you retrieve them? This tutorial will show you how to see edit history in Word online to reduce stress.
How to see edit history in Word online
Let us discuss each approach individually.
Case-1: On a PC
The editing history of an online Word document comes in handy when looking at the alterations made. You can use this feature to go back to previous versions of the document. You could also use it as a guide to review changes made to the document.
To see edit history in Word online, follow the below steps.

- Start by opening the document you would like to work on. Documents on Word online can be found by logging in to the office’s website. You can also log in to onedrive and access the documents you have been working on.
- Once the document is open, click the File option on the top ribbon.

- Clicking on the File option will take you to the home screen of the Word document.
- Scroll down to Info on the blue panel on the left side of your screen
- On the right, you will now have various options. You can choose to open the document using the desktop application. You could also protect the document. Here, we are concerned about viewing previous versions of the document.
- To do this, you will need to click on the third option,’ Version History,’ as shown in the above screenshot.
Case-2: On an Android device
If you are like me, you will surely use your phone to edit and view documents. With Word Online, it has become extremely convenient to review files on the go. Here is how you can check the edit history of Word Online documents on an Android device.

- Start by locating the document you would like to edit. Documents can be found on Office Online or in the OneDrive application. You can also use the Word application available on the Play Store for Android devices.
- Once you have the document in front of you, tap on it. You will now have it open
- Now, at the top of your screen, you will have various options. Tap on the three dots for a menu at the bottom.

- This menu consists of various options, from reading the document out loud to printing it. Select History
- History is nothing but the edited history or versions of the document.

- Under History, you will see the edits listed according to date. You will also see the time of the edit and who modified the document.
- To open a specific document version, tap on it.
- You can now view the changes made.
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Case-3: On a Mac OS
Here is how you can view and restore previous versions of Word online documents on macOS
- Open the document that you would like to edit or restore
- Select the name of the Word document if you are using Microsoft 365 for Mac.
- You can then select Browse Version History from the options available
- If you are using Office 2016 or 2019 for Mac, you will need to go to the File menu and select Browse Version History.
- The various versions of the document will show up in a separate window
- Click on the one you would like to view or restore.
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Frequently asked question
Yes, the online version of Word can review and restore previous versions of the document. This option can be found in the File section under info. All you need to do is click on the Version History option. You will then have a list of edits made and versions available. Click on the version you would like to restore.
Can you view edit history on Word online?
Yes, viewing the edit history of documents in Word online is possible. To do so, open the document you would like to retrieve information about, go to the File menu, go down to Info, and select Version history.
How to use version history for documents in Office
Once you have opened the document you are working on, click on File to open the menu. From here, click on Info. The Version History is the third option in this menu.
Once you click on this, you will find a list of all the edits made to the document. This menu appears on the right of the screen.
To open a particular version, click on the version you would like to open. You will have the document in front of you in no time. You can then make the necessary edits, which will show up in the Version history the next time you visit the info section.
How do you use version history for online Word documents on One Drive?
When you log in to OneDrive, you get an overview of all the saved documents. Once in the folder, you will see all the documents under My Files. You can also visit the recent folder to check for documents recently edited.
Here is how to view the version history of a Word document from the OneDrive folder.
Right-click on the file you require
Scroll down to Version History
Click on Version History
You will not have a list of all the versions available
Choose the one you would like to restore your document to.
Check out other word online tutorial articles here
- MLA formatting in word online
- Removing the space after paragraphs in word online
- How to convert Word file into Excel file online?

My name is Carissa Gudino and I am an expert in word online, using Word Online in my day-to-day tasks. In this blog, I will share with you tips and tutorials on how to use word online to its fullest potential. I work for various clients in various countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, etc. My tutorials are designed to help beginners, as well as more experienced users, learn new tricks and tips on Microsoft word online. Check out more.

