---
title: "View File History | Microsoft Docs"
ms.custom: ""
ms.date: "03/06/2017"
ms.prod: "sql-server-2014"
ms.reviewer: ""
ms.technology:
ms.topic: conceptual
helpviewer_keywords: 
  - "version control services [SQL Server], file history"
  - "historical information [SQL Server], files"
ms.assetid: 9d80d4ea-a0f6-4a79-885d-79143ca09c00
author: mashamsft
ms.author: mathoma
manager: craigg
---
# View File History
  You can use the **History** command to view a version history for source-controlled files. This history includes the date and time when the file was added or checked in to source control.  
  
### To view the history of a file  
  
1.  In Solution Explorer, select the file.  
  
2.  On the **File** menu, point to **Source Control** and click **History**.  
  
3.  In the **History of File** dialog box, perform any of the following actions:  
  
4.  View the selected version.  
  
5.  View specific details about the selected version.  
  
6.  Retrieve a copy of the selected version to your local disk.  
  
7.  View the differences between the selected version and the locally stored version.  
  
8.  Identify a specific version of a file as the current version.  
  
9. Export the history report to a printer, a file, or the [!INCLUDE[msCoName](../includes/msconame-md.md)] Windows clipboard.  
  
 For information on how to perform these tasks, click the **Help** button in the **History of File** dialog box.  
  
## See Also  
 [Set and Retrieve Version Information](../../2014/database-engine/set-and-retrieve-version-information.md)   
 [View Project History](../../2014/database-engine/view-project-history.md)   
 [View File Status](../../2014/database-engine/view-file-status.md)   
 [Retrieve Files](../../2014/database-engine/retrieve-files.md)   
 [Compare Files](../../2014/database-engine/compare-files.md)