restore previous version of a saved file in vscode

Question

TL;DR: I have saved a file, I need the previous version. What do I do?

I had had a lot of code, cut them (ctrl+x), and wanted to paste them somewhere else that VS code crashed. I opened it again, copy some other lines, and BOOM! I can't access the first cut lines. Is there any way I can have them back?

Notes:

1. I didn't commit them.

2. Because of that continues crash, I installed/uninstalled VScode 2-3 times, even installed VS-insiders BUT I saved the PREVIOUS data files like .vscode folder in C:\Users\User or Code folder under C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Code directory, for all previous VScode installations (All are for today).

3. I read links like this, but my files are saved. They aren't saved in that backup folder.

4. VS is configured to autosave files (after a delay), so I don't press ctrl+s manually.

5. I have git enabled, does that help? The file is staged btw.

Answer 1

The solution is in Local History and Timeline View. It does not need version control. VSCode internally save file in .config/code/Backups in different scenarios.

If you want to go back to one of the previous states of a file, you have to use Timeline View to check the file's Local History. When you find the file, right click on it and press Restore Contents

Here is a screenshot of Timeline View of a file in my machine. However, your User Interface may not be organized like mine.