Can AutoSave Help Prevent Lost Changes in Word?

The answer

Yes. Microsoft says AutoSave automatically saves changes to supported Microsoft 365 Word files stored in OneDrive or SharePoint, reducing the amount of work at risk if the app closes unexpectedly.

Why

AutoSave is location-dependent: Microsoft says it is enabled for supported files in OneDrive, OneDrive for Business, or SharePoint Online. For files where AutoSave is off, AutoRecover can still provide crash protection.

When it is usually OK

• You use a supported Microsoft 365 version of Word.
• The document is saved in OneDrive or SharePoint where AutoSave is enabled.
• You want ongoing saving of changes while editing.

When you should not

• AutoSave is disabled when the file is saved to an unsupported location such as an ordinary local folder.
• AutoSave can also be unavailable in some older file formats or other unsupported situations listed by Microsoft.

Risks and exceptions

• When AutoSave is on, changes are continually saved to the original file.
• If you did not want saved changes, Microsoft points to Version History to restore an earlier version.

Best practice

Store important working files in a supported OneDrive or SharePoint location when appropriate, keep AutoSave on, and use Version History when you need to undo previously saved changes.

Alternatives

• Save manually with the Save command.
• Use AutoRecover for crash protection when AutoSave is not available.
• Use Version History for supported cloud files when you need an earlier version.

Frequently asked questions

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