OneDrive File Issues

Fix Word AutoSave Not Uploading to OneDrive on Mac

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 868 views

Question details

Word documents fail to automatically upload to OneDrive when AutoSave is enabled, forcing the user to save the file locally first.

Product: Microsoft Word and OneDrive
Device & OS: iMac (macOS)
Scenario: Editing a Word document with AutoSave turned on to ensure automatic cloud synchronization.
Observed behavior: The document does not upload to the cloud automatically. It only syncs after being saved locally on the iMac, which creates outdated local copies and interrupts the cloud-saving workflow.

Before you start

Ensure your iMac is connected to a stable internet connection and that you are signed into the exact same Microsoft account on both the Microsoft Word application and the OneDrive macOS app.

Solution 1Recommended

Save the Document Directly to OneDrive or SharePoint

Since this is a known issue being investigated by Microsoft, bypassing the local Mac storage and saving directly to the cloud ensures AutoSave functions correctly.

Microsoft has identified an issue on macOS where AutoSave struggles to upload files that originate from local storage. Until an official patch is deployed, starting or explicitly saving your document directly in the cloud will prevent the sync delay and avoid creating redundant local copies.

Open your document or create a new one

Launch Microsoft Word on your iMac and open the document you wish to work on, or select 'Blank Document' to start a new file.

Use the Save As function

Click on 'File' in the top Apple menu bar and select 'Save As' from the dropdown menu.

Select a cloud location

In the save dialog box, click on 'Online Locations' if prompted, and choose 'OneDrive' or 'SharePoint' instead of 'On My Mac'.

Verify AutoSave is enabled

Name your file and click 'Save'. Look at the top-left corner of the Word window to ensure the AutoSave toggle is now switched to the 'On' position.

Keep Applications Updated: Because Microsoft is actively investigating this bug, regularly check for updates in both Microsoft Word (via Help > Check for Updates) and the OneDrive app. Installing the latest versions will apply the fix once Microsoft releases it.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office for Reliable Cloud Saving on Mac

If Microsoft Word AutoSave issues are interrupting your workflow, WPS Office offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with its own reliable cloud storage integration. Enjoy seamless editing on your Mac without worrying about failed uploads or complex sync issues.

1. Download and Install: Get the free WPS Office application for Mac from the official website and install it on your iMac.
2. Enable Cloud Sync: Sign in with your email or social account to activate your free WPS Cloud storage.
3. Edit and AutoSave: Open your existing Word documents directly in WPS Writer and enjoy real-time auto-saving to the cloud without local file conflicts.

100% compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsBuilt-in WPS Cloud for instant, reliable document syncingLightweight application optimized for macOS performanceFamiliar user interface that requires no learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the AutoSave toggle greyed out in Word on my Mac?

AutoSave is only available when a document is saved to OneDrive, OneDrive for Business, or SharePoint Online. If your file is saved locally on your Mac's hard drive, the AutoSave toggle will be disabled. You must move the file to a cloud location to enable it.

Does AutoSave work with older .doc files?

No, AutoSave requires the document to be saved in the latest .docx format. If you open an older .doc file, you will need to upgrade its format by going to File > Save As and selecting the newer Word Document (.docx) format before AutoSave can be turned on.

How can I force OneDrive to sync my Word document if it gets stuck?

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Mac's menu bar, click the gear icon (Settings & Help), and select 'Pause syncing'. Wait a few seconds, then click the gear icon again and select 'Resume syncing'. This often forces the application to check for pending uploads.

Document & File Issues