FIX: There are no previous versions available but System Protection is enabled in Windows 10. (Solved)
If you own a Windows 10-based computer with the System Protection enabled and you receive that “There are no previous versions available” when you try to restore a file or folder to an earlier version, by using the ‘Restore previous versions’ feature, then read this tutorial to resolve the problem.
The "Restore Previous Versions Not Working/There are no previous versions available" issue in Windows 10, may happened despite the fact that the "System Protection" is enabled on the machine and the 'Volume Shadow Copy' & the 'Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider' services are running and set to Auto.
The issue is happening, because in Windows 10 the "Restore Previous Versions" feature is not working like in Windows 7. In fact, in Windows 10, the "Restore previous version" feature, is working only if the 'File History' or the 'Windows Backup' feature is enabled on the system. In over words, the previous versions of your files are existing on the drive, but you cannot restore them by using the 'Restore previous versions' feature, but only by performing a complete system restore from a previous restore point or by using a third-party utility.
How to Restore Previous Versions of Files/Folders from a System Image in Windows 10.
If the 'System Protection' is already enabled on your PC and you want to restore the previous version of an individual file (or folder) from a previously system restore point, use one of the methods (utilities) mentioned below: *
* Important: Before you can restore previous versions of your files/folders using the following methods, system protection for the C: drive must be ON. (like in below screenshot). If the System Protection is OFF, then you will not be able to restore your files.
Method 1. Restore Previous Versions of Files by using Shadow Explorer.
Method 2. Restore Previous Versions of Files by using ShadowCopyView.
Method 1. How to Restore Previous Versions of Files with Shadow Explorer in Windows 10
1. Download the portable version of ShadowExplorer utility.
2. Extract the 'ShadowExplorer-x.x-portable.zip' file.
3. From the extracted folder run the "ShadowExplorerPortable" application.
4. Select from which System Restore point (date of), you want to restore the shadow copy of your folder/files.
5. Navigate to the folder/file that you want to restore to its previous version, right-click on it and select Export.
6. Then specify where the restored file/folder will be saved (e.g. your Desktop) and press OK. *
* Attention: DO NOT STORE the restored files/folders in the same location from where you try to restore them, until you ensure that you have restored the version you want. The restored file or folder will replace the current version and the replacement cannot be undone.
7. Navigate to the location, where you saved the exported file/folder and explore its contents. Then if it's the version you want, move it to the location you want.
Method 2. How to Restore Previous Versions of Files with ShadowCopyView in Windows 10.
1. Download the portable version of ShadowCopyView utility.
2. Extract the 'shadowcopyview-x64.zip' file.
3. From the extracted folder run the "ShadowCopyView" application.
4. Select the System Restore point date from which you want to restore the shadow copy of your folder/files.
5. Navigate to the folder/file that you want to restore to its previous version, right-click on it and select Copy Selected files too…
6. Click at the three dots button and select a destination for the restored files. *
* Attention: DO NOT STORE the restored files/folders in the same location from where you try to restore them, until you ensure that you have restored the version you want. The restored file or folder will replace the current version and the replacement cannot be undone.
7. When done, click Do it!
8. Navigate to the location, where you saved the restored file/folder and explore its contents. Then if it's the version you want, move it to the location you want.
That's it! Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.
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March 5, 2024 @ 9:27 pm
"The issue is happening, because in Windows 10 the "Restore Previous Versions" feature is not working like in Windows 7. In fact, in Windows 10, the "Restore previous version" feature, is working only if the 'File History' or the 'Windows Backup' feature is enabled on the system."
This is not true though,
You may didn't had it straight and easy as win7 did, but the option to create and view shadow copies in the Restore Previous Versions worked with some task or command line in both win10 and 11,
That was the case till MS released some updates after 2022 that either broken it or not allow users to watch their shadow copy they made with said command line anymore cause they're dumb and evil
But the bottom line is, it was there and worked with a workaround solution, it was just MS that once again broke something in their own system
August 15, 2019 @ 3:40 pm
I used Shadow Explorer (method 1 above) to recover a folder that was deleted when I uninstalled a program. This worked perfectly. Thank you so much for your clear and concise instructions!