How do I stop Word uploading my documents?

Save the open document immediately as a new copy in a folder outside the OneDrive directory; turning off AutoSave or changing Word’s default save preference does not relocate an existing cloud-backed file.

Save this document locally and stop its upload

1. In Word, select File → Save a Copy (or press F12).
2. Select This PC → Browse.
3. Create or select a clearly local folder, such as C:\Local Documents.
4. Give the document a new name and select Save.
5. In File Explorer, verify that the new file’s address does not contain OneDrive.
6. Close the original document and continue working only in the new local copy.

Word permits choosing OneDrive or This PC each time a file is saved.^1^

Do not delete or overwrite the original while it says Upload Pending. Preserve the local copy first.

Why Word is still trying to upload

The likely remaining distinction is the document’s actual path, not Word’s AutoSave setting:

• A file under C:\Users\<your-name>\OneDrive\... remains part of OneDrive even when AutoSave is off.
• Deselecting a folder from OneDrive’s selective-sync list does not convert that folder into local-only storage.
• To make a file local-only, it must be moved outside the OneDrive folder structure. Microsoft documents that moving a folder elsewhere makes it available only on the PC and removes it from OneDrive.^2^

If your Windows Documents or Desktop folder was redirected into OneDrive, saving to “Documents” or “Desktop” may therefore still be a cloud save. Since you already changed Word’s save and sync settings, the new step is to inspect the full path and use a folder outside OneDrive.

If OneDrive’s folder backup is still enabled—not merely selective sync—open:

OneDrive cloud icon → Help & Settings → Settings → Sync and backup → Manage backup

Turn off the affected folder and choose Keep the files only on my PC. Download any cloud-only files first if prompted.^3^

Today’s server messages

Microsoft’s public service-health page currently reports Microsoft 365 degradation for Business or Enterprise customers, including possible failures connecting to multiple Microsoft 365 services.^4^ If this is a personal Office/OneDrive account, that notice does not establish that your account is affected.

“Contacting the server” means Word is attempting to reach a remote location. Besides cloud storage, Microsoft lists linked content, printers, and other Internet locations as possible triggers. If the message continues after reopening the new local copy:

• Only certain documents: inspect them for links to remotely stored or missing source files.
• Every completely local document: wait until the current service issue clears; if it persists afterward, an Office repair is the documented fallback.^5^

Office 2021 support and upgrading without a subscription

Office 2021 support ended on October 13, 2026. The applications may continue to run, but Microsoft no longer supplies technical support, software updates, bug fixes, or security fixes.^6^

That lifecycle status does not by itself prove it caused today’s upload error—the message indicates that this document is still trying to reach a server.

A subscription is not required to upgrade. Microsoft offers Office 2024 as a one-time purchase for one device. It receives security updates and fixes during its supported period but not ongoing feature upgrades or Microsoft 365 subscription benefits.^7^

References

1. How to change the default save location in OneDrive for Windows | Microsoft Support
2. The file or folder already exists in OneDrive | Microsoft Support
3. Back up your folders with OneDrive | Microsoft Support
4. Microsoft service health status
5. Why am I getting the message "Contacting the server for information ...
6. End of support for Office 2021 | Microsoft Support
7. How do I upgrade Office?