Microsoft wants to automatically save your Word docs to the cloud

Microsoft has revealed a new default that saves every new Word document to the cloud by automatic save from the moment you start a file, with Word now creating documents directly in the cloud and turning on AutoSave from the start. This feature is currently available only to Microsoft 365 Insiders, but Microsoft says it is likely to expand to all users in the future.

According to Microsoft, the aim is to modernise how files are created and stored in Word for Windows, removing the need to Press Save for the first time and enabling immediate cloud storage via OneDrive or a preferred cloud destination. Users can still choose to create new files locally by adjusting settings on the Save page of Word Options or by turning off AutoSave if they prefer; the article also notes that the autosave setting can be problematic if credentials are compromised.

The change is framed as facilitating collaboration and access from any computer, though it raises concerns about who can access documents saved in the cloud if credentials are stolen.