Microsoft Word typically directs document storage to OneDrive, providing benefits like backup protection and easy access from anywhere. Yet, storing files on your device remains essential in various situations, and Word includes an option to make local saving the standard choice.
Several factors make this preference worthwhile. OneDrive, as a Microsoft cloud service, lacks assurances against data access by entities such as the U.S. government. Additionally, internet dependency can block file retrieval during trips or network disruptions. Sync issues may also arise, causing problems with document versions.
Word offers a straightforward way to adjust this behavior: When choosing File > Save, the program usually proposes OneDrive as the initial destination. To shift to a local directory by default, select File > Options, go to the Save section on the left, enable the "Save to Computer by default" option, and confirm with OK.
Following this adjustment, attempts to save fresh documents in Word will default to suggesting "This PC" as the save location.
Additional resources: 12 key Microsoft Word capabilities worth learning.
The piece first appeared in our affiliated outlet PC-WELT, adapted and translated from its German version.
Roland Freist works as an independent technology writer, focusing on Windows systems, software, networking, cybersecurity, and online matters.