Upon new MS365 install I cannot set a save to my location in file -options-save

Ainsley Hill 40 Reputation points
2026-08-20T20:28:27.4933333+00:00

I am able to change save to a local place in excel and word on my other pc.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For home | Windows
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John Jefferson Doyon 87,160 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-08-21T23:38:53.3933333+00:00

Thank you for letting me know.

I suggest uninstalling all Office apps first, then reinstalling them via the Services and Subscription page.

Before installing, it’s a good idea to uninstall all existing versions of Office to avoid conflicts. 

Here’s how:

  • Open the Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
  • Look for any version of Microsoft Office or Office apps, right-click, then choose Uninstall. Please uninstall all Office apps.
  • Once that’s done, restart your computer just to be safe.

Then, to reinstall Microsoft Office:

  • Go to https://account.microsoft.com/services again.
  • Sign in using the same Microsoft account linked to your license.
  • Find your Microsoft 365 Subscription and click the "Install". 
  • That will download the installer for the Office apps, just run it and follow the steps.

If anything’s unclear or the "Install" option still doesn’t show, feel free to let me know. I’ll be happy to walk you through it!

Let me know how it goes.

Thanks!

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Answer accepted by question author
John Jefferson Doyon 87,160 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-08-21T21:59:45.2266667+00:00

Thanks for the additional details.

Before changing anything further, I’d like to confirm the Microsoft 365 license on this PC.

  1. Where did you purchase Microsoft 365: directly from Microsoft, or from a retailer/PC manufacturer?
  2. Please sign in here using the same Microsoft account used in Word and Excel: https://account.microsoft.com/services Do you see your Microsoft 365 subscription listed there? If yes, what exact subscription name does it show?

Click "Add comment" to let me know.

Thanks!

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  1. John Jefferson Doyon 87,160 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-20T21:05:07.27+00:00

    Hi, @Ainsley Hill

    Normally, Excel should let you set a local default save location under File > Options > Save.

    To help narrow down the issue:

    1. Under File > Options > Save, is "Default local file location" missing, greyed out, or does it let you change it but not save the setting?
    2. In Excel, go to File > Account > About Excel. What version and build number are you using on the new PC?

    Also, do you see the "Save to Computer by default" option on that Save settings page?

    Click "Add comment" to let me know.

    Thanks!

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-20T20:28:40.62+00:00

    If File > Options > Save is available, set it this way:

    1. Open Word or Excel.
    2. Go to File > Options > Save.
    3. Turn on Save to Computer by default.
    4. In Default local file location, enter the folder path wanted. In Word, Browse can also be used to pick the folder.

    If the goal is to save locally only when needed, use Save As instead of Save, or press F12 to open the classic save flow and choose the local folder.

    If the new save dialog is appearing, the default save location can also be changed by right-clicking a recent location in the save dialog and selecting Set As Default Location.

    For Excel, Save As can also be used to save to This PC or Browse and then choose the exact folder.

    If this setting cannot be changed on the new installation, an administrator policy may be affecting the save experience. Microsoft documents that existing organizational policies are not overwritten, and admins can control the save dialog behavior through Office policy settings.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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