Word makes the start: Cloud storage becomes the default in Microsoft 365 (Word on Windows)

Microsoft makes cloud the default save location — Word on Windows leads the change

Microsoft is shifting the default save behavior in Microsoft 365: new documents in Word for Windows (starting with version 2509) will be created and saved to OneDrive or SharePoint by default, with AutoSave enabled. Microsoft plans to apply similar changes to other Office apps such as Excel and PowerPoint in the future.

What this means for users

  • New Word documents will default to cloud storage (OneDrive/SharePoint) and AutoSave will be on.
  • Users who prefer storing files locally may notice the Save dialog defaulting to OneDrive rather than local folders.
  • Concerns include privacy, offline access and user control — but local saving remains possible.

How to revert to local saving by default

  1. Open Word > File > Options > Save
  2. Uncheck “AutoSave files stored in the Cloud by default in Word” (if present)
  3. Check “Save to Computer by default”
  4. Optionally set your preferred default local folder path

Sources & further reading

If you want a step-by-step guide or screenshots for changing defaults, say the word and I’ll add them.

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