Why Does Word for Mac Now Prompt Me to Save Changes Not Made?

Robert Burns 95

Why when I merely open in my Mac running Sequoia 15.6.1 and Word for Mac 16.103.3 am I told that I "Your changes will be lost if you don't save them"? And, how do I get Word to stop this farce? This problem seems to have a very recent onset. I want my files to indicate when I last edited them not when Word has tricked me into saving them without changes.

Locked Question. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 437.7K Reputation points

2025-12-08T22:13:38.3+00:00

Before attempting to troubleshoot anything it would be advisable to update the operating system. Version 15.7.2 is the current release of Sequoia. That alone may resolve the issue.

Also note that there are a number of background actions [e.g., updating of fields] which aren't enacted by the user but do constitute changes in the file.
Robert Burns 95 Reputation points

2025-12-09T06:42:04.09+00:00

I am surprised to find out that there are 2 OS updates. I amd now updating to the higher Sequoia but not the Tacoma (or whatever it's called). I recall no notification of updates. Thank you!
Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 437.7K Reputation points

2025-12-09T15:19:09.89+00:00

I'm just curious... Did updating resolve the issue? If so or even if not, why did you mark Tammy's reply as the answer when all she did was refer you to my suggestion? I'm not a glory hound, I'm just trying to understand.
Stefan Blom 353.7K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2025-12-09T21:14:27.51+00:00

Bob, since your reply is a Comment and not an Answer, it can't be marked as Accepted.
Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 437.7K Reputation points

2025-12-09T21:39:27.58+00:00

My question wasn't why mine wasn't marked. It was why that one was. I couldn't care less about the metrics & I'm not compensated in any way.
Stefan Blom 353.7K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2025-12-09T21:44:06.49+00:00

My question wasn't why mine wasn't marked. It was why that one was. I couldn't care less about the metrics & I'm not compensated in any way.

Fair enough, the OP could have left both Answers unmarked. I see what you mean. (Also, in a thread with few Answers, there are not many posts that can be Accepted, of course.)
Conner, Jeffrey 10 Reputation points

2025-12-11T15:44:58.5466667+00:00

I have also had recent onset of this issue; I get prompted for every single word doc I open, none have embedded urls, and I have the latest versions of Mac OS and Word. In fact, I think this started after the last update to one of them
Glenn Willmott 10 Reputation points

2025-12-20T16:21:55.43+00:00

I have also had recent onset of this issue; I get prompted for every single word doc I open, none have embedded urls, and I have the latest versions of Mac OS and Word. In fact, I think this started after the last update to one of them

Ditto. For the love of anything good, will somebody please offer an answer that does not repeat what has already been said, that in my experience does not work? Surely this is a Microsoft problem; it did not exist for me before their last update to my 356. It is extremely annoying to have to answer the pop-up every time a file is closed.
Stefan Blom 353.7K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2025-12-20T16:29:29.3666667+00:00

Did you report the problem to Microsoft using the Feedback facility in Word for Mac and/or via the portal at https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/forum/fb6d67e3-301c-ec11-b6e7-0022481f8472 ?

For now, that is the best that can be done.

Forum contributors usually do not get information on how Microsoft developers prioritize bugs or possible bugs. It is known that bugs which cause data loss have high priority, though.
Glenn Willmott 10 Reputation points

2025-12-20T17:53:14.03+00:00

Thanks, Stefan. I've done as you suggest, and adjusted my expectations accordingly.
Keith Hills 0 Reputation points

2026-02-17T13:47:10.8133333+00:00

I am running Tahoe 26.2 and Word 16.106 and getting the same issue - even on a single page document. I just created a brand new document and typed a single word, saved it, then reopened it for 30 secs then closed it without doing anything at all, not even scrolling and got the 'save changes' prompt upon closing.

Answer accepted by question author

Anonymous

Dear Robert Burns

Welcome, and thank you for sharing your issue in the Q&A forum.

Based on the information you provided, I understand that you’re experiencing the situation where Word displays the message “Your changes will be lost if you don’t save them” even when you haven’t made any edits. I’m truly sorry to hear about this inconvenience.

However, I noticed that Bob Jones mentioned updating macOS to version 15.7.2. Have you tried that step yet? If so, did it resolve the issue for you? If the problem still persists or if you encounter any additional issues, please feel free to share them with us. We’re always ready to assist you.

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

Anonymous

2025-12-10T06:16:24.03+00:00
Dear Robert Burns

I see you've initiated the OS update! Upgrading to the newer version of Sequoia is a proactive and crucial step, as these updates often contain compatibility fixes for the exact issues we've been observing.

Once the update is complete and your Mac has been restarted, please perform one quick test to help us pinpoint the solution:

Re-open one of the Word documents that previously triggered the "Your changes will be lost..." message.

Immediately close the document, without making any actual edits.

Could you please let me know the current result? (Is Word still prompting you to save?)

Your feedback will be essential in determining the precise next step to resolve this issue completely.
Robert Burns 95 Reputation points

2025-12-10T06:35:05.84+00:00

Yes, the same problem continues. There is yet another upgrade to macOS Tahoe 26.1 which I probably will install Friday night. BTW, I have even caught Word wanting to save itself after a file has been open awhile as if some auto-save function is at work hallucinating changes.
Anonymous

2025-12-10T06:41:11.41+00:00

Dear Robert Burns

Thank you for your response. Once again, I’ll wait for your update and review.

If you have any information, please continue to share it, I’m always ready to assist you
Robert Burns 95 Reputation points

2025-12-16T19:17:19.11+00:00

I updated to macOS Tahoe last night and the problem continues. I am unimpressed with this continuing, new software defect.
Anonymous

2025-12-22T00:11:14.0266667+00:00

Dear Robert Burns

Thank you for your response, and I truly apologize for the late reply.

It appears we are indeed dealing with a persistent software defect inherent to this version of Word. Since this is a recurring issue that persists even after your OS update, reporting it directly is the best way to secure a fix in an upcoming patch. You can do this via Help > Feedback reports a Problem in Word or by visiting the Microsoft Feedback Portal. This sends your system logs directly to Microsoft engineers so they can investigate why this specific version is misbehaving.

For now, this is the most effective path toward a permanent solution. Thank you once again for your incredible patience and for sharing your insights.
Robert Burns 95 Reputation points

2025-12-28T06:26:15.0533333+00:00

I find no way under Help to do do so in Word. The portal doesn't tell me to do anything beyond what I've already done. M$ gives Mac users the indication of "tough it". Frankly, with the corporations $ it should monitor this site out of obligation and, if it really believes in AI (I don't) it should use AI to monitor it. My conclusion: Known defect.
Anonymous

2025-12-30T00:42:09.5766667+00:00

Dear Robert Burns

Thank you for your response.
Unfortunately, as I am forum moderator who does not have access to internal system - I could not help you go further with this issue.

Please consider raising this issue within Office app by going to : Word >>> Help >>> Feedback >>> Report a problem >>> then enter Report a problem → Submit.

My apology for any inconveniences caused by this issue.
Mrs. Smith 0 Reputation points

2026-02-09T19:04:01.43+00:00

I had the same issue and the 5 Microsoft support members were absolutely no help. hours and hours I spent with them. I reluctantly shared my screen with the third one. But I was desperate. The last one told me I needed to change my user profile!!! What a waste of time! I should've come to this forum first! They should've come to this forum! I disabled copilot and BAM!!! Done!
David Holler 5 Reputation points

2026-02-15T15:19:00.1033333+00:00

I have tried ALL the recommendations posted in this thread. They do not work. I have Microsoft 365, have updated Word to latest version consistently and the Mac OS as well. I have used WORD for 30 years without such a problem and then after an update about three months ago this pain the A started. NOTE: I have no option box to enable or disable Copilot in the Preferences or any where else. If I just open open a Word file, (doc/docx) look at it for a second or two, and then attempt to close it, I receive the prompt asking me if I want to save the changes I made otherwise I will loose them. Pain in the A, something that Microsoft has known about for ages, but yet I still continue to be charged for a subscription to a program that has a bothersome programming fault without a known fix. Dear Microsoft - FIX IT!
Robert Burns 95 Reputation points

2026-02-15T16:33:07.8366667+00:00

Go to Word's (not the OS's or Chrome's or whatever's) Preferences and then you should find the Copilot icon in the first position in the left in the 2nd row from the top, disable it and reboot Word if it is already open. If you actually have tried this approach, advise us of

how far you got and the result.
David Holler 5 Reputation points

2026-02-15T16:43:41.01+00:00

I do not have the Copilot icon option in my Word Preferences box. I just updated WORD two days ago to version 16.106 for Mac and have kept the program updated continuously. This icon has never shown up in the preferences box as the second line only has the East Asian Languages icon. This problem did not exist until approximately two or three updates ago.
David Holler 5 Reputation points

2026-02-15T16:45:18.17+00:00

Also, I re-installed all the Microsoft 365 apps last night. No change
Robert Burns 95 Reputation points

2026-02-15T17:08:52.4833333+00:00

I also have Word `16.106. My OS changed last night to Tahoe 26.3 but all appears unchanged as to co-pilot. So, the problem is over my lay head as to the source of your obvious software failure/conflict. Best wishes.
Robert Burns 95 Reputation points

2026-02-15T17:18:34.67+00:00
I found this at, for whatever it might be worth, at Google AI and you might try the reverse to see if you can restore the Copilor icon:

Remove Copilot from the Ribbon (Hide Icon)

Even with Copilot disabled, the button may remain on the toolbar. To remove it:

Go to Word > Preferences > Ribbon & Toolbar.

In the "Customize the Ribbon" section, select Home.

Locate the Assistance group (which contains the Copilot icon).

Click the left-pointing arrow (<) to remove it from the ribbon.

Click Save.
David Holler 5 Reputation points

2026-02-15T17:19:39.63+00:00

Same for me, OS Tahoe 26.3. I wonder if I need a complete uninstall and reinstall of the OS? The Copilot icon shows up on the WORD Ribbon, but it is not listed as a Ribbon option that I can remove
David Holler 5 Reputation points

2026-02-15T17:25:36.17+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion, however Ribbon and Toolbar is not an active option in my Word Preferences box under Authoring and Proofing Tools. The icon is in the background but I cannot click it to initiate any type of action. Really weird.

10 additional answers

PatrickKros 20 Reputation points

2025-12-27T09:39:24.0433333+00:00

Under Word Preferences, turn off Copilot. That worked for me!
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Kristin 20 Reputation points

2025-12-29T17:02:23.79+00:00

I tried to do this. Copilot wasn't an option in my Word > Preferences. Neither was "Authoring & Proofing Tools". Instead, I selected Privacy in the Word Preferences and unchecked the box for "Turn on optional connected experiences" because that was one way I found to turn off Copilot, but the issue remains.

David Sones 5 Reputation points

2026-01-08T19:11:38.18+00:00

This worked for me. Thank you!!

J. Wolf 5 Reputation points

2026-01-17T00:00:34.54+00:00

Same here. The problem first appeared when the CoPilot update happened. Turning it off made the problem go away. Tnx.

Robert Burns 95 Reputation points

2026-01-17T18:49:31.9233333+00:00

Kristin, go to Word's (not the OS's or Chrome's or whatever's) Preferences and then you should find the Copilot icon in the first position in the left in the 2nd row from the top, disable it and reboot Word if it is already open.

Joe Provisor 0 Reputation points

2026-02-09T18:21:57.56+00:00

Yes, turning off Copilot worked for me!

Kristin 20 Reputation points

2026-02-11T18:53:56.47+00:00

Robert, Here are my Word preferences.

I clicked on Privacy. Unchecking the box didn't fix the problem.

I can't find Copilot settings. When I search for Copilot in the Preference search field, nothing comes up as an option.
Blake, Kathryn 10 Reputation points

2026-01-23T16:12:30.92+00:00

This a very irritating and new problem. There is no appropriate fix until Microsoft makes the fix. It is a bug. What a time waster.
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Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 437.7K Reputation points

2025-12-21T02:29:44.25+00:00

If the problem occurs for those who have adopted Tahoe it may be that Word now is affected by a system setting. Have a look at > System Settings> Desktop & Dock — Windows to see if the option to Ask to keep changes... is toggled On. I have avoided Tahoe so I cannot test but tt has no effect in prior editions of macOS.
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Kristin 20 Reputation points

2025-12-22T16:48:44.3533333+00:00

I am having this same issue and have Tahoe 26.2. My Ask to keep changes when closing documents option is toggled off, so that's not the issue.

Robert Burns 95 Reputation points

2025-12-29T06:33:40.96+00:00

I have meanwhile upgraded to Tahoe 26.2 and the problem continues.
AI answer

2025-12-08T21:08:42.51+00:00
The issue you're experiencing with Word for Mac prompting you to save changes even when no changes have been made can be related to several factors. One common cause is the presence of embedded URLs or other content in the document that triggers a prompt when the file is opened. This can happen if the document contains elements that Word interprets as needing to be saved, even if you haven't made any explicit changes.

To address this issue, you can try the following steps:

Check for Embedded Links: Open the document and look for any embedded links or objects that may be causing the prompt. Removing these may help.

Update Word: Ensure that you are using the latest version of Word for Mac, as updates often include bug fixes that may resolve such issues.

Reset Preferences: Sometimes, resetting Word preferences can help resolve persistent prompts. You can do this by closing Word, then navigating to ~/Library/Preferences/ and removing the com.microsoft.Word.plist file (make a backup first).

Reinstall Word: If the problem persists, consider reinstalling Word to ensure that all components are functioning correctly.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, it may be beneficial to check for any specific updates or patches from Microsoft regarding this behavior, as it could be a known issue with a recent version of Word for Mac.

References:

Office 2016 for Mac 16.x prompts you for authentication when you open a URL

Project <name> has been modified. Do you wish to save the changes now?
AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.
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