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. Ainsley Hill 40 Reputation points
    2026-08-22T02:48:59.8333333+00:00

    Thanks

    I will do a full uninstall of all office products and after restarting will reinstall from your link.

    Will do either Sunday or Monday.

    ps I do not know how to delete the file in question.

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  2. Ainsley Hill 40 Reputation points
    2026-08-24T02:51:10.3866667+00:00

    Hi

    I followed instructions and I was able to save a local file location.

    In Excel in options the local default save location saves if you hit Close instead ok OK -- OK seems to trigger the error.

    In Word is saves id you in options the local default save location saves if you hit the X in the upper right corner. OK seems to trigger the error.

    I tried to save a file in Excel and Word and they were saved to the default location.

    Not sure if it is worth following up on the error as it works. This is my travel laptop and I will likely change it in the next 12 months. I am ok closing is issue unless you want to persue.

    Ainsley

    ps Thanks for all your help.

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