Fix Word Not Creating Backup Copies with Always Create Backup Copy Enabled
Question details
Users are unable to locate traditional .wbk backup files even though the 'Always create backup copy' setting is turned on in Microsoft Word.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Working on Word documents saved to OneDrive with AutoSave functionality enabled.
- Observed behavior
- Word does not generate 'Backup of [filename].wbk' files in the document's folder, overriding the traditional backup setting.
Verify if your document is saved locally on your hard drive or synced to a cloud service like OneDrive, as this location directly determines how Word handles automatic backups.
Save Documents Locally to Force .wbk File Creation
Move your active document to a local computer drive to ensure Word generates standard .wbk backup files.
Traditional Word backup copies are designed to save in the same local directory as the original document. When a file is stored in a cloud location like OneDrive or SharePoint, this feature is often overridden by cloud synchronization.
Open your document in Microsoft Word, click on 'File' in the top ribbon, and select 'Save As'.
Click on 'This PC' or 'Browse' and choose a local folder on your computer (e.g., your Desktop or local Documents folder) rather than a OneDrive directory.
Save the document locally. Make a small edit to the document and save it again using Ctrl+S to trigger Word to create the 'Backup of [filename].wbk' file in that same folder.
Utilize OneDrive Version History Instead of .wbk Files
Rely on OneDrive's built-in version control to restore earlier iterations of cloud-saved documents.
Switch to WPS Office for Reliable and Hassle-Free Document Backups
If Microsoft Word's backup limitations with OneDrive disrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight alternative that features an intuitive built-in Backup Center, ensuring your work remains secure while providing seamless compatibility with Microsoft Office formats.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and follow the simple installation instructions.
- 2. Open Your Existing Documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Microsoft Word (.docx) files seamlessly without losing any formatting.
- 3. Configure Auto-Backup: Access the WPS Backup Center through the settings menu to customize your automatic backup intervals and storage locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Word .wbk backup files normally saved?
Traditional .wbk backup files are saved in the exact same folder as your original document, provided the file is stored locally on your computer's hard drive.
Why does AutoSave stop .wbk files from being created?
AutoSave is designed specifically for OneDrive and SharePoint files, continuously saving changes to the cloud in real-time. Because it actively manages the file state on the server, Word suppresses the traditional local .wbk backup mechanism to prevent data duplication and syncing conflicts.
Can I recover an unsaved file if no .wbk file was created?
Yes. If the file was saved on OneDrive, you can access previous states through the Version History feature online or within Word. If it was a local file that closed unexpectedly, check the AutoRecover location by going to File > Options > Save in Microsoft Word to find unmanaged drafts.
