How do I undo my last commit without losing changes?

[navinightwork]

I did git commit but forgot to add a file. git reset --hard deleted my work 😭 What's safe way to undo?

[codemonkey0612]

If you accidentally committed but forgot to add some files, don’t use git reset --hard—this discards your changes completely.

Safe way to undo your last commit but keep your changes:

git reset --soft HEAD~1

What happens:
HEAD~1 moves your branch pointer back one commit.

--soft keeps your changes in the staging area (ready to commit again).

You can now add any missed files and re-commit safely.

Example workflow:

=====================

Undo last commit but keep your changes staged

git reset --soft HEAD~1

Add forgotten files

git add forgotten-file.txt

Commit again

git commit -m "Your improved commit message"

Push (force if needed)

git push --force

===============

Why this is better:
Keeps your changes safe.

Allows you to fix the commit message or include missing files.

Avoids data loss, unlike git reset --hard.

This method is recommended for undoing the last commit locally before pushing. If you already pushed, prefer git revert to avoid rewriting history.

Let me know if you want help with those commands! 😊

[navinightwork]

Thanks for your help. Let me check.

[Jundel-Malazarte]

Step-by step:

Check your Git status (Optional but recommended):

git status

Undo the last commit while keeping changes staged:

git reset --soft HEAD~1

Verify the result:

git status 

Recommit the changes (or modify them first):

If you just want to change the commit message:

Make your additional changes

git add .
git commit -m "Your new, correct commit message"

& Now Push the new Recommit:

git push origin main