How to Undo Bulk Changes in Jira Data Center

[#1]

Jira Data Center enables users to modify multiple issues simultaneously through Bulk changes. This feature allows efficient issue updates for large teams, saving valuable time.

But it also comes with risks. A single mistake in bulk updates or automation rule misconfigurations can cause unintended changes to multiple issues simultaneously. And here is the main problem that arises. Jira doesn’t provide a built-in undo feature for performing bulk changes.

It appears to be a total disaster, but a solution can still be found. In this article, we’ll explore how the Issue History for Jira app can help.

Understanding Bulk Changes in Jira Data Center

Jira Data Center enables users to perform the same action on multiple issues at once through its bulk change functionality. It enables users to modify fields such as priority and issue type while also transitioning issues between workflows, assigning them to new users, and deleting selected issues.

To perform a Bulk change operation, it is necessary to start by using filters to choose specific issues. Then, choose the action (e.g., Edit, Transition, Delete, Move) from the Tools → Bulk Change menu.

Teams generally use bulk changes for these reasons:

• Several issues require updating following the sprint planning activities.
• Multiple issues require correction because a priority was set improperly.
• Teams need to transfer tasks between colleagues when team members transition between roles or leave the team.
• Moving issues to a new project or workflow phase.

Bulk changes functionality is highly useful for teams, but at the same time, can be very risky. Some common problems while using it can include the following:

• Editing the wrong field (for example, changing "Due Date" field instead of "Start Date" field).
• Too many issues can be selected accidentally.
• Misconfigured automation rules can change a wider issue range than was intended.
• Deleting issues unintentionally and the absence of their backup copy.

Jira Data Center doesn’t provide a built-in feature to undo intentional bulk changes. So, users must be careful when using the Bulk change option and use the solutions that allow tracking and reviewing changes during system errors.

How to Use Issue History for Jira to Undo Bulk Changes

As was mentioned previously, the bulk change functionality in Jira Data Center lacks an automatic undo feature. However, everything can be fixed fast if you use the right solution.

Issue History for Jira app enables tracking and reverting unintended changes made by users or automation throughout projects.

Let’s explore in practice how exactly it can help, specifically when considering the possibility of reverting bulk changes. Imagine a situation where someone accidentally changed all issues in the Marketing project and set their Priority to "Highest" during a bulk edit. Here’s how to use Issue History for Jira to identify and undo it:

• Open the Issue History app and go to the Activity view. It allows you to view all changes grouped by field and time. It is ideal for identifying bulk edits.

• In the project field, choose Marketing.

• Then, filter by Field: Priority.

• You will see all the changes that were made to the Priority field.

• To undo bulk changes in Jira Data Center using Issue History app, select all the issues or just the ones needed using the checkboxes on the left. After that, click Bulk Revert.

• If the Bulk Revert operation is performed correctly, you will see a Success status.

Or suppose someone made bulk changes to the Description field in the wrong issues and can't revert them to previous versions. The best way to fix the situation is also to use Issue History for Jira app. To undo the unplanned changes to Descriptions, it is needed to do the following:

• In the Field menu, choose Description.

• Then, choose all the issues or only the specific ones and click Bulk Revert.

• The descriptions of the issues will be successfully reverted to their previous versions.

💡 Issue History for Jira app allows users to view original pre-bulk change values. It enables you to restore each modified issue to its previous state.

This app makes it easy to track and reverse bulk changes, even when Jira Data Center itself doesn’t provide an “undo” option.

🚀 Try Issue History for Jira now — and take control of your bulk changes with confidence! 🔍✅

Summing Up

Bulk changes feature in Jira Data Center can be very useful for large teams that have to deal with a significant number of issues. But one wrong step can impact dozens of issues in just a second. Unfortunately, Jira Data Center does not provide built-in functionality to help revert unintended changes.

However, you can use the Issue History for Jira app, which enables you to track and roll back changes with just a few clicks.