Word: Open backup copy - how it works
This practical tip shows you how to open the Word backup copy of a document in an emergency. This is the version before the last save.
How to open the backup copy in Word
In order for Word to create backup copies independently, you must first have activated this in the Word options. You can find detailed instructions here.
- To open a backup copy, click the Office button and select "Open" (shortcut [Ctrl] + [O]).
- Find the folder where you saved the original file. The copy is also in the same folder.
- After opening the folder, select "All files" under "File type" and search for the name of your original file.
- The backup copy has the same name, but with the file extension ".wbk". "Microsoft Word backup document" is also specified in the "File type" column.
- If you would like to continue working with the backup copy, you should save it under a new file name after opening. Word then also creates a backup copy for this new document.
You can also find many other tips and tricks on our Word topic pages - for example, how to create frequently used documents as templates.