Recently, we encountered a situation where changes in our Power Automate flow were mistakenly overwritten. Initially, we considered rewriting the entire flow, but then we discovered the Version History feature in Power Automate’s New Designer mode. This feature allowed us to effortlessly restore a previous version of our flow, saving a substantial amount of time and effort. It’s an invaluable tool for today’s fast-paced development needs!
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to recover an older version of a Power Automate:
1. Open the Flow in New Designer Mode
Access the flow you want to restore by navigating to its edit page in the New Designer mode of Power Automate.
2. Access Version History
In the top toolbar, look for the Version History option. Click on it to view all previously saved versions of your flow.
3. Review Available Versions
You’ll see a list of all saved versions, each with timestamps and any comments or version notes, which helps in identifying the correct version to restore. In the image below, you’ll notice that the selected version lacks parameter mapping, highlighting a specific difference that may guide your decision on which version to revert to.
4. Select and Restore the Desired Version
Once you’ve identified the correct version, click on it, then choose the Restore option.
5. Save, Publish, and Test the Restored Flow
After restoring, select Save and then Publish to apply the changes. Run a test to verify that the flow functions as expected, ensuring all restored settings and parameters are in place.
6. Open the Flow in New Designer Mode
Access the flow you want to restore by navigating to its edit page in the New Designer mode of Power Automate.
By following these steps, you can efficiently recover previous versions of your flow, helping to avoid unnecessary rework and ensuring smooth development continuity.
Key Benefits of Using Version History
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Avoids manual rework
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Saves development time
- Enables fast recovery from accidental changes
- Provides audit-friendly version tracking
Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic, Just Revert!
If you’ve ever overwritten a working flow or made a change that broke automation, don’t panic. Power Automate’s version history makes it easy to restore cloud flows with confidence. This built-in feature helps maintain continuity, saves time, and simplifies troubleshooting for teams of all sizes.
If you’re working with Power Automate flows, you might also find our guide on exporting Power BI data to SQL Server helpful for extending your data workflows and analysis.
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FAQs
What is Power Automate Flow Version History?
Power Automate Flow Version History is a feature that allows users to view, compare, and restore previously saved versions of a cloud flow. This helps in recovering from accidental changes or errors without rebuilding the entire workflow.
Will restoring a flow in Power Automate delete newer versions?
No, restoring a previous version does not delete newer ones. Power Automate retains all published versions, allowing you to switch back and forth as needed.
How do I restore a previous version of a flow in Power Automate?
To restore a previous version:
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Open your flow in the new designer.
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Click on the "Version History" icon in the top toolbar.
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Choose the desired version from the list.
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Click Restore, then Save and Publish your flow.
Can I compare versions before restoring in Power Automate?
Yes. Power Automate’s version history interface allows you to preview flow logic and configuration differences between versions. This helps you make informed restoration decisions.
How often should I use Version History to save flow changes?
Regularly saving flow changes helps maintain a useful Version History for easy restoration if needed.
What happens after I restore and publish a flow version?
The restored version becomes the active flow. You must Save and Publish it to make the changes live. It’s recommended to test the flow to ensure it functions as expected.
How can I avoid accidental overwrites in Power Automate flows?
To avoid overwrites:
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Use version comments when publishing
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Document major updates
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Regularly export flows for backup
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Use version history to revert when needed
Can I use Power Automate with Power Pages for external portal tasks?
Absolutely. Power Automate integrates seamlessly with Power Pages, enabling workflows like form submissions, approvals, and data syncs across Dataverse. If you’re configuring external access through a branded URL, Power Pages also supports custom domain and SSL setup-ideal for client-facing portals.
Check out this blog to set up a custom domain and SSL in Power Pages using GoDaddy