Restore files in bulk with Google Drive

You can roll back multiple files to a previous version when you use the Google Drive Restore file versions tool. Now in Beta!

You can find older versions of your file and make a copy through Google Drive, if you need to recover from ransomware encryption, undo recent changes, or compare versions. Google Drive keeps the last 25 days of revisions.

If you need to recover deleted files, go to Recover a deleted file in Google Drive.

Use Drive to restore files

Important: For all selected files, the previous versions are copied and become the new current versions. No versions are deleted. Files created in Google Apps like Docs and Slides can't be affected by ransomware and won't appear here.

  1. On your browser, go to Google Drive.
  2. At the top right, select Settings Settings and then Restore file versions.
  3. Review your file change history and select the version you want to roll back to.
    • Important: You can't select individual files.
  4. Click Restore.
  5. A progress page displays which automatically updates once the restore completes.
    • You must wait until the current one restore completes before you start another.

Find & recover file versions

If you roll back too far and overwrite recent edits, you can find those edits in the file's version history. Individual files can be updated using this process.

Recover files from a ransomware attack

If ransomware gets into your computer and encrypts your files, you can restore the previous and unencrypted versions of your files from Google Drive. If ransomware has deleted your files, follow the steps here. Drive for desktop may have paused file syncing if it detected ransomware encryption, and you can use these steps to recover your files and then re-enable file syncing.

To restore your files, you can:

  • Confirm the attack: If there’s a ransomware attack, you get either:
    • An error message when you try to open the file.
    • A file that opens but displays garbled or scrambled text.
  • Disconnect your account: To stop encrypted files from syncing and overwriting other versions from your computer to the cloud, sign out your Google Account on Drive for desktop.
  • Use the Restore file versions tool: You can select the oldest encrypted file change and start the restore process.
    1. On your browser, go to Google Drive.
    2. At the top right, select Settings Settings and then Restore file versions.
    3. You get a notification when the restoration completes.
  • Avoid editing: During the restore, only the file names and contents are restored.
  • Remove the ransomware: You should use a trusted antivirus or anti-malware program to scan your computer and remove the ransomware. You might need to completely wipe your PC and reinstall your operating system.
  • Clean up encrypted files:
    • If you mirror folders: From your computer's hard drive, delete the encrypted files.
      • Or, you can move the encrypted files to a new folder that’s not synced with Drive.
    • If you don’t clean up your encrypted files, you’ll have both the restored and the encrypted versions of your files.
  • Log back in and sync: You can sign back into Drive for desktop and sync all the same local folders you synced before the attack. This way, the restored versions sync to your computer.

Prevent ransomware attack

You can avoid ransomware attacks when you have good computer habits, stay alert to threats, and keep your device secure.

  • Keep software updated: Regularly update your operating system and all software.
  • Use reliable antivirus software: You can install a reputable antivirus program and set it to update and scan automatically.
  • Back up your files: Regularly copy important files to another location, for example, use Drive for desktop with multiple version history.
  • Convert files to Google Workspace: When you convert Microsoft Office files to Google formats, the macros are removed, which helps prevent possible attacks.
  • Educate yourself and others: Be aware of how ransomware spreads, like phishing emails and malicious attachments.

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