I can't access a word document that I created

Dear Mel,

As a forum moderator, I genuinely wish I could directly access your account or delve into the backend systems to diagnose and fix this for you. Unfortunately, my role here is limited to providing general guidance and solutions that can be applied by users. To help narrow it down, could you tell me:

• Where is the document stored: OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, your computer, or a school portal?
• Are you using a personal account or a school account?
• What is the exact permission error?
• Can you see the file but not open it, or has it disappeared?
• Does it open in Word on the web?
• Are you signed in with the same account used to create it?

A screenshot would help as well, with any names or email addresses masked before you post it.

In most cases this comes down to the browser or app being signed in with a different account than the one that created the document. This happens easily when a personal Microsoft account and a school account are both in use, since the file belongs to whichever account created it. It is worth opening a private browser window, going to office.com and signing in with the account you believe you used, then checking your recent files there. If your school provided the account, it is also possible the file sat in a school OneDrive or Teams site where permissions have since changed.

Once I have a clearer picture, I will do my best to point you in the right direction. Looking forward to your reply.