When you first install Word, the default location for saving files is OneDrive. If you would rather save documents on your computer, you can easily change that, although Word also sets a default folder on your computer for saving files, which is normally “My Documents.”

To change the default location for saving files, click the “File” tab.

01_clicking_file_tab

On the backstage screen, click “Options” in the list of items on the left.

02_clicking_options

On the “Word Options” dialog box, click “Save” in the list of items on the left.

03_clicking_save

To choose to save files to your computer by default rather than OneDrive, click the “Save to Computer by default” check box so there is a check mark in the box.

04_clicking_save_to_computer_by_default

To change the default local file location to which files will be saved, click “Browse” to the right of the “Default local file location” edit box.

05_clicking_browse

On the “Modify Location” dialog box, navigate to your desired default local file location and click “OK.”

06_modify_location_dialog

The path to your desired local file location is entered into the “Default local file location” edit box. Click “OK” to accept the change and close the “Word Options” dialog box.

07_clicking_ok

To have this change take effect, exit and restart Word. These settings are also available in Excel and PowerPoint.