autosaving as a six digit number

Excel and Word create temporary files with random names (for example, six‑digit or alphanumeric names) as part of the normal save process. These can appear in temporary or sync-related folders such as tmp.driveupload. They are not controlled by the AutoSave toggle in the ribbon.

To reduce or stop this behavior, address the underlying save/sync mechanism rather than Excel/Word themselves:

1. Ensure files are saved to a stable location
   • When saving directly to network drives or special sync folders, Excel and Word write to a randomly named temporary file first, then delete/rename it as part of the save.
   • If permissions or other processes interfere, the temporary file may remain visible instead of being cleaned up.
2. Check folder permissions if saving to network or synced locations
   • Excel’s save process is:
     1. Create a randomly named temporary file in the target folder.
     2. If updating an existing file, delete the original.
     3. Rename the temporary file to the final name.
   • If Modify/Delete rights are missing on the folder, Excel cannot delete or rename the temporary file, so the random-name file remains.
   • Verify that the account has both Modify and Delete rights on the folder where the document is being saved. If not, request these permissions or save to a folder where full rights are available.
3. Check for antivirus or other tools locking temporary files
   • Antivirus or replication software that scans or locks new files can disrupt the Excel/Word save process by accessing the temporary file before the save completes. This can leave the temporary file (with a random name) in place.
   • If this is suspected, coordinate with IT to exclude the affected folders from real-time scanning or adjust the security software configuration.
4. If saving to a network drive and seeing “changes could not be saved”
   • When saving to a network location without both Modify and Delete rights, Excel may:
     • Save changes only to a temporary file with a random name.
     • Fail to update the original file, so the random-name file is what remains.
   • Confirm that files in that folder can be renamed and deleted in File Explorer. If not, permissions must be corrected.
5. If the concern is cloud/mobile AutoSave rather than desktop temp files
   • On mobile Office apps (Android/iOS), AutoSave is on by default and saves directly to cloud locations. To avoid constant automatic saves and temporary upload artifacts, turn AutoSave off and save manually:
     • In the Office app, tap File > Save and move the Auto Save slider to Off.

These behaviors (temporary random-name files) are by design for reliability, but ensuring correct permissions and avoiding interference from security/sync tools will prevent stray six-digit temp files from accumulating.

References:

• Troubleshoot why Excel doesn't save changes
• You may receive a "Your changes could not be saved" error message when you try to save a file to a network drive in Excel
• Save Office files automatically