How to Recover Accidentally Replaced Word Document on Windows and Mac?

Have you accidentally replaced any important Word Document on your system? Whether you're a Mac or Windows user, it is not a problem. This is a very common mistake. However, this doesn't mean that your file is lost forever.

You can rely on your system's in-built tools and third-party tools to understand how to recover a replaced Word document. Each tool can play an important role in helping you recover the files without compromising the data security. This blog will explain all the methods on how to recover a replaced Word document Mac and Windows devices easily.

Part 1: Is It Even Possible to Recover Replaced Files On Windows and Mac?

Yes, you can recover replaced files on Windows and Mac. You can either use the built-in system tools or third-party tools. For Windows, you will have to use File History; for Mac, you will have to use Time Machine to create the backups. You must keep these on in your system to avail of the benefits.

Part 2: Methods To Recover Replaced Files On Windows and Mac

If you're looking for how to recover a replaced Word document, you must first understand the system you're using. The method to retrieve replaced Word documents is different for Mac and Windows.

Below are the methods for each device so you don't struggle with the files.

On Windows

The methods below help you understand how to recover a replaced Word document on your Windows system. These are completely safe and effective. You need to choose a method that works best for you to retrieve replaced Word document.

Way 1. Restore Replaced Word Document from Previous Versions

The overwritten files can be recovered from the previous versions. You must follow the steps accurately to recover the right overwritten file version.

Follow the steps given below to understand how to restore replaced Word document from the previous version:

Step 1: Open File Explorer. Browse through all the files, right-click on the file or folder that you want to restore from an older version, and select the Restore Previous Versions option.

Step 2: Navigate to the Previous Versions tab and review all previous versions of the file. Select the appropriate version from the list of File versions.

Step 3: Verify the file and click on the Restore button. The file will be recovered in its original location.

How to Recover Overwritten Files on a Mac

Let's see how to find replaced files on a Mac and return them where they belong.

Learn More

Way 2. Restore Replaced Word Document in Windows backup

If any file was accidentally deleted from your Windows system, you may use the Windows Backup tool. However, the Backup and Restore tool must be switched on in your system so that you can avail the benefits. The Backup and Restore files tool can be essential in storing the selected files in a specific location.

Follow the steps given below to learn how to recover a replaced Word document using the Windows Backup tool:

Step 1: Launch the Control Panel on your system and choose System and Security. Click on Backup and Restore (Windows 7) system from the available options.

Step 2: Click on the Restore My Files option.

Step 3: In the Restore files dashboard, click Browse for files. You will then have the option to select the available backup file and tap the Next button.

Step 4: Depending on where you want to save the files, you can restore them by selecting a new destination or their original location. Once the location is selected, click on Restore. This will retrieve the replaced Word document.

Way 3. Restore Replaced Word Document via System Restore

To understand how to restore a replaced Word document, you need to use System Restore. System Restore will help you roll back the computer to a previous point, using which you can restore the overwritten files. Using System Restore can be highly beneficial in restoring all the missing files from your system. However, you must know that System Restore will not work on personal files, so make sure that you use it accordingly.

You need to follow the steps given below to restore overwritten files with the System Restore feature:

Step 1: Type 'create restore point' in the Windows search bar and click the Open button.

Step 2: Choose the System Restore button. The System Restore wizard will open on your screen. Read the instructions and click on Next.

Step 3: Choose the fatale to restore. Then, click on the Scan for the affected programs option. This will help you check all the programs that will stop working after you use the restore point. After verifying the information, click on the Close button.

Step 4: If you don't want to scan, you can skip it directly. Click on the Next button. Check the information, and then begin the restoration process.

Way 4. Restore Replaced Word Document with a data recovery tool

If you accidentally deleted files, you can quickly restore replaced Word document. However, you will have to use a data recovery tool for this. Numerous tools can help with the replaced Word document recovery. Since there are so many tools in the market, it is essential to choose the right one.

It is advisable to compare different tools and choose the one that best suits your needs. You must also check the features and recovery timing.

On Mac

If you want to recover replaced Word document Mac, there are numerous ways to do that. Not only can you use the local backup, but also cloud backup and built in app features.

Below are the different methods to learn how to recover a replaced Word document on Mac.

Way 1: Local Backup (Time Machine)

The local backup feature for replacing Word document recovery is Time Machine. Time Machine is Windows's built-in local backup system. It plays a vital role in automatic backup. You can easily manage backing up the data through Time Machine without deleting the old backups.

Follow the steps given below to recover replaced Word document Mac:

Step 1: Open the Spotlight command.

Step 2: Type Time Machine. Click on Enter Time Machine.

Step 3: Browse through all the backups available on the timeline. You can also click on the previous versions of Windows.

Step 4: Navigate to your files and click on Restore.

Step 5: If you are replacing a particular file, click on Replace. You also have the option to either Keep the Original or Keep Both. Choose the one that best suits your needs.

Way 2: Cloud Backups

Cloud backups are highly effective ways to restore replaced Word document. These are usually the additional solutions, apart from Time Machine. So, even if Time Machine doesn't work out, these solutions definitely will.

iCloud

iCloud is hailed to be one of the best methods to understand how to recover a replaced Word document on Mac. It will store all the data, even the ones with changes. Therefore, you can always rely on iCloud to restore the overwritten and replaced files.

Follow the steps given below to understand how to recover a replaced Word document for Mac:

Step 1: Visit iCloud.com and log in to the system using the Apple ID.

Step 2: Click on Account Settings.

Step 3: Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Restore Files.

Step 4: Look for all the files that you want to restore. Select them and click on the Restore option.

Dropbox

Dropbox is yet another excellent cloud backup for Mac devices. You can configure your device with Dropbox, and all the backups will be initiated automatically. Therefore, all the files and folders will be stored.

You should follow the steps given below to recover replaced Word document Mac using Dropbox:

Step 1: Visit dropbox.com and log in using your registered account.

Step 2: Look for the file you will replace with the new version.

Step 3: Click on the three horizontal dots next to the file and choose the Version History option.

Step 4: Go through all the options and select the version history you want to restore.

Step 5: Click on Restore for the particular version.

Step 6: You'll be asked to confirm whether you want to restore the version. Click on Restore.

Step 7: You will be redirected to the main dashboard. A confirmation of the restoration will pop up on the screen.

Google Drive

Launched by Google as a cloud storage platform, Google Drive can be beneficial to retrieve replaced Word document. You can schedule the backup syncs based on your preferences. Follow the steps given below to use Google Drive to recover replaced files on Mac:

Step 1: Visit the official website of Google Drive and log in using your Google Account.

Step 2: You'll be shown all the files on the main dashboard. Click on a file and choose the file version history.

Step 3: Review the file's history in all its versions and click on the one that you want to restore.

Step 4: Click on Restore this version option.

Step 5: Confirm your choice by finally clicking on Restore.

Way 3: Built-In Apps Features

Mac has some built-in apps that can help recover replaced or overwritten files. Use these methods only if the previous ones didn't work.

Word/Excel

MS Word and Excel are highly efficient and popular programs to restore replaced Word document. Several professionals use it. Therefore, you can follow the steps given below to recover replaced Word document Mac:

Step 1: Launch the document you want to restore to the previous version.

Step 2: From the Menu bar, click on File. Then, choose the Browse Version History option.

Step 3: Navigate through all the versions and select the one you will restore by clicking the Version History sidebar. Choose the Open Version option.

Step 4: Now, you have the option to either restore the previous version by clicking on Restore or compare the differences between both versions.

Pages/Number

Pages/Number is equally effective for replaced Word document recovery. Here's how to recover a replaced Word document using Pages and Number for Mac:

Step 1: Open any Apple app like Pages or Numbers.

Step 2: Open the document that you would like to restore.

Step 3: From the File option in the Menu Bar, choose Revert To. From the available options, click on Browse All Versions.

Step 4: The timeline of all the versions will appear, similar to Time Machine. You can browse them all by clicking the next arrows or through the background windows.

Step 5: Locate the version that you want to restore. Then, click on the Restore document option.

Part 3: Recover With Data Recovery Software: Wondershare Recoverit

You can initiate replaced Word document recovery using reliable software such as Wondershare Recoverit. Wondershare Recoverit is a high-quality data recovery tool that uses advanced algorithms to recover data. The software is capable of recovering different types of data, such as images, files, Word documents, videos, and more. It has a very user-friendly interface.

Wondershare Recoverit has two modes: Quick Scan and Advanced Scan. If your file isn't recovered in the Quick Scan mode, you can use the Advanced Scan feature to recover the respective files. Wondershare Recoverit is available for free download on Windows and Mac devices.

Recoverit Data Recovery Software comes with a wide range of features that assist in faster and better data recovery. If you have formatted the system or lost files through corrupted SD cards, Recoverit Data Recovery software can help you retrieve a replaced Word document.

Follow the steps given below to understand how to recover a replaced Word document using Wondershare Recoverit:

Step 1: Download and install Wondershare Recoverit on your system. Once downloaded, open the software. Select where the corrupted files were stored under the Hard Drives and Locations option.

Step 2: Once you have selected the file, Wondershare Recoverit will begin scanning the hard drive. Click on Scan to initiate the scanning process. Depending on the size of the files, the scanning process will take time.

Step 3: Recoverit will show all the results on the dashboard. Preview all the files and click on Recover for all the Word Document files that you want to recover. The preview feature will allow you to check all the files before you save them.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to recover a replaced Word document, you won't have to worry about it if it is lost. You must choose the right software and method to recover the replaced or lost files. Wondershare Recoverit is one of the fastest and most reliable methods to restore replaced Word document. Recoverit will play an essential role in recovering the files, whether the document is corrupted or lost. Moreover, it doesn't cause any data security risks, which is wonderful.