Disable the new AutoSave by default, as it can lead to a loss of data
The new AutoSave can potentially lead to a loss of data. If you open any Word, PowerPoint, etc. doc, there is an "AutoSave" that is automatically on, on the upper left. If you're changing some stuff around and don't want to save, it still saves it. Or if you delete some things and then save as copy, your original is gone, because AutoSave was on. This is a horrible feature and should be disabled by default.
Version 1705 (Build 8117.1000 Click-to-Run)
Office Insider Fast
Charlie Chen
shared this idea
We see two patterns in this feedback thread and are addressing them now. The first pattern is that users want AutoSave OFF. The second pattern is that the Template scenarios are problematic with AutoSave.
To address turning AutoSave OFF, we have implemented these capabilities:
1. To avoid accidental edits by others, the owner of a file can set it to Always Open Read-Only. This can be done by setting the file to open in Read-Only Recommended (File > Info > Protect Document/ Workbook/ Presentation > Always Open in Read-Only) or by Sharing the file without allowing others to edit (File > Share > People with the link can edit > Uncheck the “Allow Editing” box).
2. Users can turn AutoSave OFF for a file. While a document is open, clicking the AutoSave toggle turns AutoSave OFF for the current document for that user. The next time the same user opens the document, AutoSave will be OFF. If they open a different document, AutoSave will not be affected by their choice in the other document.
3. Users can set AutoSave to be OFF by default for all files opened in that specific application (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Go into File > Options > Save (to set AutoSave settings)
These are described in more detail in this support article: https://support.office.com/en-us/article/what-it-administrators-should-know-about-autosave-88e0f80f-e5ea-441b-9c5a-259f08490ae7
To address the Template scenarios, we have released a new dialog reminding the user to “Save a Copy” prior to using an existing template if you want to save changes only in the new document. This is in the Production and Semi-Annual channel today.
If you have any questions or additional feedback on these features – please email us directly at: OfficeAutoSave@Microsoft.com
497 comments
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commented
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biff
commented
Microsoft OneDrive generally sucks - can/t count the hours lost because Word crashes in the process of editing a OneDrive file. Where the f*ck are the alleged recovery files, and "previous version" files that were supposedly being created every 5 minutes per my backup preferences?; files lost to who knows where; files locked because they are being edited by "another" user (aka me), etc., etc., etc.
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Ami Hill
commented
Our document libraries are forcing documents to open in Browser, so turning the autosave off in the client application does nothing. By the time we open a document and click Open in Desktop App, the autosave is already enacted in the online version, and the "last modified" is no longer meaningful. Please let users make their own decisions with their documents.
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Richard S
commented
Leave it to Microsoft to mess up something as *basic* as autosave. Here is what Autosave SHOULD do:
Set Autosave to a timer.
Saves UNDER A NEW FILE NAME every click of the timer (FileName01, Filename02, FileName03 etc).If this means I end up with 200 copies of the same file because I set the timer to every 5 seconds then *GOOD* that is exactly what I WANT. Disk space and memory is *cheap* and the two seconds it takes to delete the files later is worth the HOURS of work wasted because programmers are too incompetent to grasp how to code an autosave feature.
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Harry Montgomery
commented
Can I forever turn auto save off. I frequently try different scenarios with Excel for IOS and after saving to another location auto save turns back on and I’ll neglect to turn it back off. I NEVER NEVER want autosave on. I know enough when I want to save a file.
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Anonymous
commented
Autosave issues identified 2017... still not resolved. Switch off autosave by default.
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Finally Going Elsewhere
commented
This is an absolutely rubbish feature. I have weekly spreadsheets taht I update, and when ever I 'save as' for a new week, MS automatically enables the AutoSave. This happens despite me switching off all autosave features under options.
There is no point giving us this option if MS chooses to ignore it. I've lost countless data that has had to be re-created because MS thinks it knows best, and wont allow us control of our own data.
As it is clear this problem has no work around, we are now ditching Excel.
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UlrikeJahn
commented
in worldwide operating company its anoying to have huge bunches of versions when working on sharepoint online.
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My Name is Joe
commented
This is the most pathetic feature that MS created. they are all about telling us what to do and how. For me,once i modify the file i do not want to save on another date. It seems that MS things they have the right to tell us when the save and when not to save.
There will come a day where someone else comes along and gives us other options.
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Michael C
commented
Instead i would like an autosave feature that saves a version of the file, in a user specified folder for each workbook. The autosave function i'm needing is the backup function, get into my folder and find a file version from 2 hours ago before i broke my sheet :)
Another issue i'm having, which im suspecting autosave feature to be a part of is that recently when im saving a file it just forever is trying to save it but never finishes, although im also suspecting onedrive for business.
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Mandy
commented
Agree that allowing an individual user to decide if they want Autosave on would be a great add. We have lots of users that love the feature and some that don't but they have to turn it off every time they open a document which is very annoying.
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SHAW
commented
the above will works for desktop Office app, but how about the Office online app?
Right now, when I open a Sharepoint online Words doc, for example, wanting just to preview it, Words online immediately open the file in EDIT mode. Any accidental typing/deletion means immediate auto-saving. Sometime not knowing that something has been overwritten and autosave, the browser is closed, and the damaged is done permanently.By default, when we open a file online in any of the office online app, it should be in a VIEW MODE by default. If one wants to update/edit the file, there can be a button to ENABLE EDIT to turn it into Edit mode. Really need this feature to protect accidental loss of data in Office files.
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Autosave is crap
commented
I have the global autosave setting off for all excel files however, every time i "save file as" it automatically puts autosave back on. What's the point of a global switch if it continuously turns itself back on anyway??
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Walter O
commented
Hallelujah. Now AutoSave can be OFF by default. When was that feature added? I didn't see it a few months ago (it is now June 20, 2019.) Anyway, thank you Microsoft. No longer are my files imprinted with a new date when I merely open it. No longer must I set all of my files to Read Only in batches to prevent that from happening.
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Zerox For use
commented
Auto save is totally rubbish
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Duncan
commented
Just turn it off! What's the problem?
It's a great feature and saves time and, for me, saves loosing data. I have it turned on for most of my Office apps, bar Excel which I prefer to be off due to a couple of spreadsheets that suits that functionality.
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Stuart T
commented
I note that in Office 2010 there is no warning in Word that the file already exists (do you wish to overwrite it?) yet in Excel there is a warning.
Also from an auditing point of view I endorse the concerns about the change to the original files date/time stamp.
So, inconsistent and a fundamental change to established working practices.
MS - I think you lost the plot on this one.
Stuart T
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Anonymous
commented
How about making AutoSave a SharePoint document library level setting? In some cases it'a nuisance, in some cases a lifesaver, so it would help to be able to configure it per library.
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Daan
commented
I absolutely agree with Optii, it's 2019, change the way you work.
Plus, as he said as well, revisions.
Stop complaining. -
Chris
commented
Absolutely rubbish autosave function!