Copilot Windows app ignores download-location preference for generated Word/PDF files

THOMAS BARTHOLOMEW 0 Reputation points
2026-10-01T16:19:00.73+00:00

Problem: In the standalone Microsoft Copilot app on Windows, generated documents do not allow the user to choose a download location.

For example, after Copilot generates a Word document, the available options include Save to OneDrive, Save as Word doc, and Save as PDF. Selecting Save as Word doc immediately downloads the file to the default Downloads folder without presenting a Save As/location dialog.

My browser is already configured to ask where files should be saved, but the standalone Copilot app does not honor that preference.

Expected behavior: When selecting Save as Word doc or Save as PDF, Copilot should either:

Display a standard Windows Save As dialog so the user can select the destination folder, or

Provide a Copilot setting such as “Ask where to save downloaded files.”

Actual behavior: The file is automatically written to the Downloads folder with no opportunity to choose another location.

This appears to be specific to the standalone Copilot app and may relate to its WebView2 download handling. Other users have reported similar behavior.

Please either restore the standard Save As dialog or provide a configurable download-location preference in Copilot.

Microsoft Copilot | Windows Copilot | Feature
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  1. Hendrix-V 19,745 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-10-02T07:01:57.6633333+00:00

    Hi THOMAS BARTHOLOMEW,

    Thank you for taking the time to provide detailed feedback. Based on your description, the Copilot Windows app currently downloads generated Word and PDF files directly to the default Downloads folder without presenting a Save As dialog or allowing a custom save location to be selected at download time.

    As a temporary workaround, you can:

    1. Save the generated file normally from Copilot.
    2. Open your Downloads folder.
    3. Move the file to your preferred location, or use Save to OneDrive and organize it from there.

    Since this behavior appears specific to the standalone Copilot Windows app, submitting feedback can help the product team better understand the impact and evaluate future improvements: In the Copilot app, select Profile > Send feedback.

    Please note that this is a user-to-user support forum. Moderators, contributors including external Microsoft employees cannot directly intervene in Microsoft product features or access back-end systems. Our role is limited to providing technical guidance on reported issues, requests, or ideas.

    Thank you for sharing your feedback with the community, and please keep an eye on future Copilot app updates for any enhancements related to file download behavior.

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