Office for Mac Issues

How to Change the OneDrive AutoSave Account in Office for Mac

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to switch the Microsoft account used for OneDrive AutoSave in Office for Mac because the currently linked account is no longer accessible.

Product: Microsoft Office for Mac, OneDrive
Device & OS: Mac / macOS
Scenario: Trying to AutoSave new files or access previously saved documents using OneDrive in Office for Mac.
Observed behavior: AutoSave fails and old files are inaccessible because the linked Microsoft account is unavailable.

Before you start

Ensure you have the login credentials for your new Microsoft 365 account ready. If you need to access files from the old OneDrive account, you will first need to go through the Microsoft account recovery process online.

Solution 1Recommended

Switch to a New Microsoft 365 Account in Office

Resolve the AutoSave issue by signing out of the inaccessible account and connecting your active Microsoft 365 profile.

Office for Mac relies on the Microsoft account currently signed into the application to manage OneDrive AutoSave. By switching the active account, you can restore AutoSave functionality for new documents.

Open an Office application

Launch any Office application on your Mac, such as Microsoft Word or Excel.

Sign out of the old account

Click on the application name (e.g., 'Word') in the top menu bar and select 'Sign Out', or click on your profile picture/name in the top-left corner of the document gallery and choose 'Sign Out'.

Restart the application

Completely quit the Office application and then open it again to ensure the old session is fully cleared.

Sign in with the new account

Click 'Sign In' on the welcome screen or in the top-left corner and enter the credentials for your new, active Microsoft 365 account.

Old Files Access: Files stored in the old OneDrive remain tied to that specific account. Switching accounts in Office will not transfer those files over to your new account.

Solution 2

Recover the Old Microsoft Account

If you need access to your previously saved documents, you must recover the old account using Microsoft's web tools.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience on Mac

If you are tired of dealing with account sync issues or subscription limitations in Microsoft Office, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative for Mac users.

1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the installation package designed for Mac.
2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
3. Open your files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files without worrying about complex account linking.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Local saving by default, preventing unexpected cloud account lockouts.Lightweight installation with an intuitive, tabbed interface.Built-in cloud sync via WPS Cloud or easy integration with third-party drives.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my files if I sign out of my old OneDrive account on Mac?

Signing out does not delete your files, but it will remove your access to them within the Office application until you sign back into that specific account or recover it online.

Can I merge my old OneDrive account with a new one?

Microsoft does not offer a direct way to merge two OneDrive accounts. You must manually download the files from the old account and upload them to the new one.

Why is my AutoSave toggle disabled in Word for Mac?

The AutoSave feature only works when your document is saved to a cloud service like OneDrive or SharePoint. If you are not signed in, or if the linked account is inaccessible, the AutoSave toggle will remain grayed out.

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