Recover Replaced/Overwritten Word Document on Mac​ In 4 Ways

“I accidentally replaced a Word document on Mac with an older version. The file didn’t go to the Trash, and it seems it was just overwritten and deleted right away. Is there any way to recover replaced Word document on Mac​?”

— A Question from Reddit

When you unintentionally overwrite a Word document on your Mac, the question that probably runs through your head is whether it is possible to restore it. In this post, we’ll tell you whether a replaced Word file can be restored, and if yes, under what circumstances it’s viable. So, keep scrolling!

Part 1: Can You Recover an Overwritten Word Document on Mac?

Yes, it’s viable to recover overwritten Word document on Mac computer. In a Mac, upon the replacement of a file, the system updates the file entry. Thus, when the file is opened, only the new file is displayed. But the original file will still be present on the hard drive until there is other data that replaces it completely.

The old file data may never be accessed as long as the new file is set in a different location. That implies that you can retrieve the file that has been rewritten, but you should act quickly. The more you use your Mac, the greater the probability that new information will replace an old file, which makes overwritten Word file recovery harder.

You can recover replaced Word document on Mac​ using several methods, like using Version History, or Time Machine if enabled, or a cloud backup. But if you want to recover overwritten Word document on Mac without Time Machine, because you don’t have a backup, consider employing professional file recovery software.

Part 2: How to Recover a Replaced Word Document on Mac?

Here’s how to recover a replaced Word document on Mac with 4 options. They may or may not function based on your circumstances. So, stick with the one that actually works:

Option A: Use the Built-in Feature in Word

Once activated, the MS Word embedded “Version History” feature allows you to view and recover overwritten Word document on Mac​. It keeps track of changes over time, and thus you can retrieve earlier forms of lost work, correct errors, or trace how the document has been modified. There will be a list of previous versions of Word files with timestamps, and you can open an older version to restore it. Here’s how to recover a replaced Word document on Mac with Version History:

Step 1: Open “Microsoft 365.” Head to “File.” Then, choose “Info.”

Step 2:  Tap “Version History.” Then, pick a previous version of a Word file to restore.

Step 3: In an older Office version for Mac, head to “File.” Then, select “Browse Version History.”

Step 4: Look through previous versions of a Word file and restore your desired one.

Option B: Use File Recovery Software

If you haven’t activated the “Version History” feature, nor do you have a backup, then an overwritten Word file recovery software is the best option. A professional tool like 4DDiG Mac Data Recovery can retrieve unsaved or replaced Word documents with high success. Here’s more info about this tool’s features:

• It achieves a high success rate in recovering MS Office files.
• It can recognize a wide range of file formats, such as doc, docx, xlsx, pdf, csv, etc.
• This recovery software supports old and latest Microsoft Office, Office 365, etc.
• The tool supports internal/external storage devices like SD cards, USBs, hard disks, drones, digital cameras, etc.
• It’s compatible with T2 and M series chipsets and the latest macOS Sequoia.

Here’s recover overwritten Word document on Mac without Time Machine with this tool:

Step 1: Download, install, and execute the tool on your Mac. Then, choose the disk where you lost the Word files.

Step 2: Pick the file type as “Document.” Hit “Scan.” You can stop or pause the scan once you find the Word files you were looking for.

Step 3: Preview them in the “Unsaved Documents” folder beneath the “Type” tab. Then, hit “Recover” to extract them to a secure place on your computer or cloud drive.

Option C: Use a Time Machine Backup

Another way to recover overwritten Word document on Mac​ is through Time Machine backup if you have it enabled. It’s a Mac-embedded tool that saves your files to an external drive, and you can use it to preview and restore an earlier version. Here’s how to recover a replaced Word document on Mac with a Time Machine backup:

Step 1: Connect the external drive containing your Time Machine backup to your Mac. Then, tap the “Time Machine” icon in the Apple menu bar.

Step 2: Choose “Enter Time Machine.” Open the folder where the Word file was replaced.

Step 3: Use the timeline to find previous versions. Press “Spacebar” to preview. Click “Restore” to recover your desired version of the Word file.

Option D: Restore from Cloud Storage

Still wondering, “I accidentally replaced a Word document Mac?” In case you haven’t enabled a Time Machine backup, check your cloud storage. You might have the replaced Word file on it, especially if you’re used to backing up your files on a cloud storage. Follow the instructions beneath to recover overwritten Word document Mac without Time Machine:

1. Google Drive

Step 1: Sign in to your “Google Drive” account. Then, search for the replaced Word file.

Step 2: Once you’ve found it, right-click it. Then, choose “Download” to export it to your Mac.

2. iCloud

Step 1: Sign in to your “iCloud” account. Log in to your account. Then, select the “twelve dots” menu. Click“Data Recovery.”

Step 2: Hit “Restore Files.” Next, tick mark the Word files you wish to restore. Tap “Restore.”

Overwritten Word File Recovery FAQs

Q1: What is an overwritten Word document on Mac?

A Word document that has been overwritten on a Mac is like replacing a book on a shelf with a new one with the same title, but with its contents removed. By saving a file with the same name in the same location, macOS overwrites the previous file, and no copy remains. This is unless you have turned on version history or backups.

Q2: Where do replaced Word files go on Mac?

When a Word file is replaced on a Mac, the original is usually erased, like throwing out an old book for a new one. But if Time Machine or another backup was set up, the old file might still be saved. Without backups, you can reclaim it either with version history if it’s enabled or a tool like 4DDiG Mac Data Recovery.

Q3: How to prevent overwriting files in the future?

In the future, you can prevent overwriting Word files by following the tips beneath:

• Turn on macOS Auto Save and Versions to restore earlier drafts.
• Use “Save As” when editing Word files.
• Use Time Machine or cloud backups like iCloud or Dropbox to keep extra copies.
• Switch on “Always create backup copy” in Word preferences.
• Rename updated files (e.g., “filename_v2”) to avoid overwriting.
• Save different versions in separate folders to stay organized.

Final Words

Hopefully, we’ve answered your query, “I accidentally replaced a Word document on Mac, what to do,” in an easy way. Though you can recover replaced Word document on Mac​, you need to act fast.

Try recovery options like Word’s Version History, Time Machine, or cloud storage (iCloud, Google Drive). But if you don’t have backups or Version History enabled, employ a tool like 4DDiG Mac Data Recovery. It scans for 2000+ file types and can recover lost or replaced Word files, even without the original name.