Word is not giving me the option to "don't save" my documents.

AMY DRISCOLL 0 Reputation points
2026-09-21T16:02:58.17+00:00

I started a document and don't want to save it, but am not given that option. Word is only giving me the option to save on OneDrive. I saw previous solutions to this issue on your site, but when I follow the suggested pathway (word - file - options), I am stopped because I don't have 'options' under 'file'.

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | Other | Other

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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-21T16:03:11.15+00:00

    If File > Options is not available, the app is likely Word for the web. In that version, documents are saved automatically as work continues, and Save or Save As is not shown under File.

    To avoid saving the current document in that experience:

    • Close the browser tab or go back to the file list.
    • Do not use Create a copy if the goal is to avoid keeping the document.

    If the document is already stored in OneDrive, changes are saved automatically.

    If using the Word desktop app instead, these save controls are available:

    • CTRL+S or File > Save to save manually.
    • File > Save As or Save a Copy to choose another location.
    • For cloud files, AutoSave can be turned off with the AutoSave switch.

    If the goal is to stop Word from defaulting to OneDrive in the desktop app:

    1. Open Word.
    2. Go to File > Options > Save.
    3. Enable Save to Computer by default.
    4. Set a Default local file location outside the OneDrive folder.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. DaveM121 937K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-21T16:40:32.1633333+00:00

    1

    If you are unable to close the document without saving the document, at the top left of Word, is there an AutoSave button enabled, if so, if you disable that does that resolve the problem.

    2

    If you do not have the File - Options setting in Word, what type of device are you using the Office apps on, is that a Windows device or an Apple Mac computer?

    Please provide a screenshot of your Word window.

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