Office Settings & Configuration

How to Access Quick Access Folders in Word Save As

Algirdas Jasaitis Sep 28, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to find and use their pinned or recently used Quick Access folders when saving a document in Microsoft Word.

How to Access Quick Access Folders in the Word Save As Window

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to save a new or existing document to a specific, frequently used local folder.
Observed behavior: The modern Save As window in Microsoft Word does not display recently used or pinned Quick Access folders, requiring the user to browse for the folders manually.

Before you start

Verify that your desired folders are properly pinned to the Quick Access section in your Windows File Explorer before attempting to save your document.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the F12 Keyboard Shortcut

Using a keyboard shortcut bypasses the modern Backstage save screen, directly opening the classic dialog box where all Quick Access folders are visible.

Microsoft Word's modern Save As screen prioritizes cloud locations like OneDrive, which often hides your local Quick Access folders. The easiest way to retrieve them is to trigger the classic Save As dialog box.

Keep the Document Open

Ensure the Microsoft Word document you wish to save is currently open and active on your screen.

Press the F12 Key

Press the F12 key on your keyboard. Note: On many modern laptops and compact keyboards, you may need to press the Fn key simultaneously (Fn + F12).

Navigate via Quick Access

The classic Windows Save As dialog will immediately pop up. Look at the left navigation pane to find and select your pinned Quick Access folders.

Quick Tip: You can force Word to always use the classic dialog for keyboard shortcuts by going to File > Options > Save, and checking 'Don't show the Backstage when opening or saving files with keyboard shortcuts'.

Solution 2

Add Save As to the Quick Access Toolbar

If you prefer using your mouse, you can pin the classic Save As command directly to your toolbar at the top of the screen.

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Enjoy a Streamlined Saving Experience with WPS Office

If you are frustrated by Microsoft Word's modern Save As screen hiding your local folders, consider switching to WPS Office. WPS Office respects your system's native file explorer settings, ensuring your Quick Access folders are always immediately available without needing hidden keyboard shortcuts.

1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free and install it on your computer.
2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word document.
3. Save with Ease: Click Menu > Save As. The standard system dialog will appear immediately, showing all your pinned Quick Access locations on the left.

Seamlessly opens native system dialogs for instant Quick Access folder visibility.Highly compatible with Microsoft Word formats (.doc, .docx).Free, lightweight, and features a familiar tabbed user interface.Built-in PDF editing and exporting capabilities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Microsoft Word change the Save As window?

Microsoft updated the Save As interface to better integrate with their cloud services like OneDrive and SharePoint. This modern 'Backstage' view prioritizes online storage locations, which is why local Quick Access folders are no longer prominently displayed.

Can I permanently disable the modern Save As screen in Word?

While you cannot completely remove the modern Save As screen when clicking File > Save As, you can bypass it for shortcuts. Go to File > Options > Save, and check the box that says 'Don't show the Backstage when opening or saving files with keyboard shortcuts'.

How do I pin a new folder to Quick Access in Windows?

Open your Windows File Explorer, right-click on the folder you want to save to frequently, and select 'Pin to Quick access'. Once pinned, it will appear in the left sidebar of the classic Save As dialog.

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