Word Save As PDF Exports to INetCache\Content.MSO with Random Filename Instead of Source Folder

Jeff :) 35 Reputation points
2026-09-15T21:35:17.0733333+00:00

When using Word to save as .pdf a file from a network drive it saves to the location below instead of the source folder, also with a random file name like 1f10f000 , 458d72b7 instead of the original file name.

C:\Users{username}\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.MSO

Office 365 version Microsoft® Word for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2609 Build 16.0.20430.20032) 64-bit

Print to pdf still works, but save as acts differently.

SOLVED:

Problem solved by rolling back to previous version 2608 Build 20326.20072.

Method :

  1. Open CMD as admin

2.Run: cd "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\ClickToRun"

3.Run: OfficeC2RClient.exe /update user updatetoversion=16.0.20326.20072

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For business | Windows
Answer recommended by moderator
Jeff :) 35 Reputation points
2026-09-17T19:10:26.96+00:00

Update : Problem solved by rolling back to previous version 2608 Build 20326.20072.

Method :

  1. Open CMD as admin

2.Run: cd "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\ClickToRun"

3.Run: OfficeC2RClient.exe /update user updatetoversion=16.0.20326.20072

Disabled auto update afterwards

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  1. Jesús San Miguel 0 Reputation points
    2026-09-24T16:18:10.8066667+00:00

    Version 92 is also affected. Downgrading to 72 did the trick for us too. image

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  2. Jay Freedman 208.3K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-09-17T12:00:30.38+00:00

    According to https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/officeupdates/update-history-current-channel-preview, your Version 2609 Build 16.0.20430.20032 is in the Insider program's Current Channel (Preview). That page also shows that there have been at least two more builds since then.

    Please try to update to the latest build to see whether the PDF SaveAs issue has been fixed. If it still occurs, report it through the Insider program.

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  3. Lin v 1,380 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-15T22:37:09.8666667+00:00

    Hi Jeff,

    Based on your description, this is unusual behavior. Normally, when exporting a Word document to PDF, Word should retain the selected file name and save location.

    I also found another discussion where users reported that reverting to an earlier Microsoft 365 Apps version helped resolve PDF export issues that appeared after an Office update. You can consider trying the workaround described in that discussion to determine whether the issue is related to the current Office build installed on your device.

    Here's the link to the discussion: Issues saving Word documents to PDF

    This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.   

    In the meantime, you may wish to contact your IT administrator and ask them to open a support case with Microsoft. Given the unusual nature of this behavior, Microsoft's support team may need to review Office logs and the affected environment to determine the cause and identify any available resolution.

    If you are unsure who your IT administrator is, please refer to: Get support for Microsoft 365 for business.

    In case your organization's Microsoft 365 environment is managed by a partner, you can also work with them to open a support case with Microsoft.

    I hope this information is helpful. Let me know if you have any further questions.

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