Microsoft Word will save your files to the cloud by default

Microsoft announced that Word for Windows will soon autosave new documents to OneDrive (or a chosen cloud destination) by default, currently testing in the Microsoft 365 Insider Beta Channel (Version 2509, Build 19221.20000), with Excel and PowerPoint to add similar functionality later. Users can opt for local folders or disable automatic cloud creation via Word settings, and Microsoft notes several known issues during testing (e.g., autosave not triggering in certain session scenarios, delays in recent file list refresh, and behavior tied to the Start screen setting). The update is accompanied by reminders about upcoming feature deprecations (transcription, dictation, read aloud in outdated apps by Jan 2026) and end-of-support timelines for Office on Windows 10 and for Office 2016/2019 in October 2025.