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.

Filename or extension

Category

Safe to delete?

Opens with

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 ….wbk file and open it. It is the last-but-one saved version of your document.
Immediately Save As a normal .docx so 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).

Is it safe to delete the .wbk?

Yes, once you have saved a clean .docx. The backup only ever holds your previous save, so after you have the current version secured it is redundant. Leave Always create backup copy on if you want the safety net for next time.

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.