How to recover previous versions of files on Proton Drive

Last update: 14/09/2026

  • Access version history via the file's context menu to restore previous states.
  • Storage capacity differences between free and paid plans.
  • Procedure for recovering encrypted data after resetting the account password.
  • Integration of collaboration tools and migration from other encrypted clouds.

How to recover an older version of a file in Proton Drive

How do I recover an older version of a file in Proton Drive? Have you ever accidentally deleted something important from a document or made a huge mistake while editing a file and then not known how to undo it? Don't worry, because Proton Drive offers a version control system which saves your skin in these moments, allowing you to retrieve previous states of your data without complications.

In this sense, managing your file history is not just a matter of correcting mistakes, but of maintain a safe workflow And organized, especially when working with others. Below, we explain in detail how to take advantage of all these features so you don't lose a single comma of your information.

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Managing and saving previous versions

Modern servers in a data center, illustrating Proton Drive's cloud infrastructure.

When you upload a file to the cloud that has the same name and extension as one already there, the platform doesn't do it blindly; it asks you which path you want to take. If you choose replace the existing fileThe current version is moved to the history and the new one becomes the active version. On the other hand, if you prefer keep both documentsThe system will add a number to the name of the new file to avoid confusion.

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You also have the option to skip the load If you decide that the file already on your drive is correct and you don't want to change anything. Also, if you're uploading a lot of files at once, you can check the box for apply to all duplicate files so you don't have to confirm the same action over and over again.

How to access the history and recover data

Modern workspace with external hard drives, symbolizing data backup and storage.

Accessing older versions is very easy: you just have to Right-click on the file that interests you and select the option to view the version history. Once inside, you will see a detailed list with the saving date and who made the changesThis is vital when several collaborators are working on the same document.

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To revert to an older version as the main one, follow these steps:

  • Find the desired version and click on the three vertical dots icon (⋮).
  • Choose the option of restore version.
  • Give it to confirm to finalize the process.

The good thing about all this is that, by restoring, The most recent versions are not deletedThe entire history remains intact and accessible. Besides restoring, you can remove unnecessary versions, download a specific copy to your computer or check the digital signature to ensure that the file has not been tampered with.

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Limits according to plan and custom settings

Laptop screen with a padlock icon and the word Secured, representing end-to-end encryption.

Depending on how much you pay (or whether you pay at all), the rules of the game change. If you use the free plan, Proton saves up to 10 versions per file for a maximum of 7 days, and this cannot be changed. However, if you upgrade to a paid plan (such as Proton Drive Plus, Professional, Unlimited, Duo, Family, Visionary, or Business), the limit increases to 200 versions and a 10-year timeframe.

To adjust these times on a payment account, go to the section of Settings, then All settings and go to Version History. There you can choose the retention period between 7 days and 10 years, and simply Save changes for them to apply.

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Recovery after a password reset

Team of professionals collaborating with a laptop in an office, illustrating shared work in Proton Drive.

This is where things get technical. Due to the end-to-end encryptionIf you reset your password, you will lose access to the keys that protect your files. To recover your data, you will need the previous password, recovery phrase or the recovery file.

When you see the message that your files are not accessible, click on more information and choose unlock driveYou'll need to go to the recovery settings and tap on unlock dataOnce you've done that, select begin to recover and wait for the system to process all the old encryption.

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If you have photo backup enabled on your phone and uploaded new images after the reset, you will need to go to the Photos tab and click on the banner of restore photosThis will merge the old images with the new ones so that your albums and filters are back in order.

Other advanced tools and features

Proton Drive is not just a cloud folder; it has powerful tools like CLI (command line interface) to manage files from the terminal. It also allows data migration from other giants like delete a Google account (using Google Takeout), Microsoft OneDrive, iCloud or Dropbox, ensuring that all your information becomes encrypted.

Regarding the edition, the Proton Drive Docs They allow you to work in real time, add comments, and use a suggestion mode where collaborators propose changes without altering the original text. You can also Protect shared links with a password and set expiration dates so your files aren't exposed forever.

Having full control over your file versions, knowing how to react to a password change, and leveraging encrypted collaboration tools ensures your information is secure. always safe and availableregardless of human error or technical changes that may arise along the way.