Overview

• Word for Windows now creates new documents directly in OneDrive or a selected cloud location with AutoSave enabled by default, assigning a date-based filename.
• The change is rolling out to Microsoft 365 Insiders on Version 2509 (Build 19221.20000 or later) in a staged release, and some testers report not seeing it yet.
• Microsoft touts reliability, cross-device access, collaboration, enterprise compliance controls, and immediate Copilot availability for licensed users as key benefits.
• Users can revert the behavior via File > Options > Save by deselecting "Create new files in the cloud automatically" or by enabling "Save to Computer by default," and they can set a different default save location.
• Known issues in testing include the first file not auto-saving when the Start screen is disabled or when launching a second Word session, plus occasional delays updating Recent files, while privacy and data-control concerns continue to be voiced.