Microsoft has announced that Word for Windows will soon feature autosave by default, with all newly created documents automatically stored in the cloud. This update is currently being tested with Microsoft 365 Insiders in the Beta Channel and is available in Word for Windows Version 2509 (Build 19221.20000) and later. Microsoft also confirmed that the same functionality will be extended to Excel for Windows and PowerPoint for Windows later this year.
According to Raul Munoz, Product Manager on the Office Shared Services and Experiences team, this shift is intended to “modernize the way files are created and stored in Word for Windows.” By default, new documents will be saved directly to OneDrive or a user’s preferred cloud platform, reducing the likelihood of losing unsaved work. For organizations with specific data handling requirements, users will still be able to redirect files to local folders and adjust the setting in Word Options → Save → Create new files in the cloud automatically.
While the feature is being positioned as a productivity enhancement, there are potential implications for security and compliance. Autosaving documents directly to the cloud as a default workflow could introduce new data governance challenges, particularly for enterprises managing sensitive or regulated information. Admins may need to update storage policies, adjust endpoint controls, or enforce data protection strategies to ensure that confidential documents are handled appropriately.
The feature is still in testing, and Microsoft has acknowledged several known issues. For example, documents may fail to autosave if a new Word session is opened while another is already running. Users may also notice delays when renaming files before they appear in the Recent Files list. In addition, if the “Show the Start screen when this application starts” option is disabled, the first document created after launch will not be autosaved.
Those interested in piloting the feature can join the Microsoft 365 Insider program and upgrade their Word app to the latest Beta build. This staged rollout provides organizations with an opportunity to test the autosave model in controlled environments and assess potential security or compliance impacts before wider adoption.
This development follows a series of updates to Microsoft’s Office ecosystem. The company recently announced that transcription, dictation, and read-aloud features will stop functioning on outdated versions of Microsoft 365 Office apps beginning in January 2026. Additionally, Office apps on Windows 10 will reach end-of-support later this year. Customers relying on Office 2016 and Office 2019 are also reminded that extended support for those versions will end on October 14, 2025.
