How to Restore a Word Document from a .WBK Backup
You found a file called 'Backup of <name>.wbk'. That is Word keeping your previous version. Here is how to open it.
Open the .wbk in Word
- Open Word and go to File → Open → Browse.
- Next to the filename box, change the file type from All Word Documents to All Files (*.*) — otherwise the .wbk is hidden.
- Select the
Backup of ….wbkfile and open it. It is the last-but-one saved version of your document. - Immediately Save As a normal
.docxso you have a clean copy.
Where to look
Word writes the .wbk in the same folder as the original document, not a hidden system path. Search your Documents and Desktop for Backup of if you are not sure where the original lived.
Why it exists
The .wbk only appears when File → Options → Advanced → Always create backup copy is enabled. It holds the version from your previous save — useful when you overwrote something and need one step back, but it will not contain unsaved changes (use an .asd AutoRecover file for those).
FAQ
How do I open a .wbk file?
In Word: File → Open → Browse, set the file type to All Files, pick the 'Backup of ....wbk', then Save As a .docx.
Where does Word save .wbk files?
In the same folder as the original document, named 'Backup of <document name>.wbk'.
Does a .wbk have my latest changes?
No — it holds the previous saved version. For unsaved changes after a crash, recover from Word's .asd AutoRecover file instead.
Can I delete a .wbk file?
Yes, if your current document is fine; you only lose the one-save-behind spare copy.