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How to Change the Default Save Location in Word

Tap a step to see how to change Word's default save location.

  1. Open "File > Options"

    Click the "File" tab in the top-left corner of Word, then select "Options."

  2. Go to the "Save" menu

    In the left-hand list of the Options window, select "Save."

  3. Set the default local file location

    Enter your preferred folder path in the "Default local file location" field, or use "Browse" to select it.

  4. Check the cloud auto-save option

    Checking "Save to Computer by default" makes your own computer the default save location instead of cloud storage.

  5. Click OK to apply

    Once you're done, click "OK" to save the change, and new documents will default to your chosen folder from then on.

Tired of Navigating to the Same Folder Every Time?

If browsing to your preferred folder every time you save a new document feels tedious, setting a default save location to a folder you use often can make the process much more convenient.

Check Your AutoCorrect Settings Too

While you're adjusting Word's options, it's also worth reviewing AutoCorrect settings, so unwanted automatic text changes don't interrupt your workflow while typing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this setting affect documents I've already saved?

No. This setting only applies to documents you create going forward β€” the location of files you've already saved won't change.

Can I stop cloud storage from being used entirely?

Turning on the option to save to your computer by default means the local folder appears first every time you use "Save As," so cloud storage is rarely, if ever, used.