Turn OneDrive Sync On or Off for Office 2016 Files

Updated 10 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

To turn Office 2016 file syncing on or off in Windows 10, open any Office app, go to File > Options > Save, and change AutoSave files stored in the Cloud by default in Word (or the equivalent setting in Excel or PowerPoint). This controls Office’s cloud-saving behavior; it does not switch OneDrive’s overall folder sync on or off.

What the Office 2016 setting controls

Office 2016 can work with files saved in OneDrive or SharePoint. When the cloud AutoSave option is enabled, Office can save supported cloud-stored documents automatically as you work. When it is disabled, Office does not automatically save those files in the same way, so you should save changes yourself with Ctrl+S or File > Save.

The wording and availability of options can vary by Office 2016 application, installation, and update state. Look in the Save options for the cloud AutoSave setting in the app you use. Changing it in Word does not necessarily change Excel or PowerPoint, so check each application separately if you use more than one.

Office’s cloud AutoSave and the OneDrive sync client are related but distinct. AutoSave concerns how Office saves an open cloud document. OneDrive sync concerns whether files and folders on your PC are kept in sync with your OneDrive account. Turning off one does not automatically turn off the other.

Turn Office cloud AutoSave on or off

Open Word, Excel, or PowerPoint 2016.
Select File, then Options. In Word, choose Save in the left-hand list. In Excel or PowerPoint, open the corresponding Save options.
Find the option referring to automatically saving files stored in the cloud. Select it to enable the behavior, or clear it to disable it.
Select OK to apply the change.
Repeat the steps in other Office applications if you want the same setting there.

To check whether a particular document is actually stored in the cloud, look at its location or use File > Info. A file saved only on the PC does not become a OneDrive file just because AutoSave is enabled. Save or move it to a OneDrive folder or another supported cloud location if you want it stored there.

Turn OneDrive folder syncing on or off

If your goal is to stop OneDrive syncing files between Windows and the cloud, use the OneDrive client instead of changing Office options. The OneDrive cloud icon is normally in the notification area at the right side of the taskbar; select the hidden-icons arrow if it is not visible.

Select the OneDrive cloud icon and open Help & Settings (the gear icon), then Settings.
To stop syncing a particular folder, open the account or folder-selection controls in OneDrive settings and deselect the folders you do not want available through that PC. The exact labels can vary with the OneDrive client version.
To pause syncing temporarily, use the OneDrive menu’s pause option and choose a duration if offered. Resume syncing from the same menu when ready.
To disconnect this PC from the account, use the account settings and choose Unlink this PC if that option is present. This stops syncing on this computer, but does not by itself delete the cloud account.

Before unlinking or changing folder selections, check that important edits have finished uploading and that you know which copies are stored locally and in OneDrive. A local folder can remain on the PC after unlinking, but its future changes will no longer sync through that disconnected account.

Choose the right setting for your goal

Keep cloud documents saving as you work: enable the Office cloud AutoSave option and make sure the document is stored in OneDrive or a supported SharePoint location.
Stop Office from automatically saving cloud documents: disable the setting in each Office app you use, then save deliberately. This does not stop OneDrive from syncing its folders.
Stop a folder syncing to this PC: change OneDrive folder selection or unlink the PC, depending on whether you want to keep other folders connected.
Work without a network connection: use a local copy or a OneDrive file made available on the device. Changes to offline files may sync after connectivity returns.

AutoSave is not the same as a backup or version history. It can help preserve current edits, but it does not guarantee that every deleted, overwritten, or unwanted change can be recovered. Availability of recovery features depends on the service, account, and file location.

Common problems and practical checks

The AutoSave option is missing or unavailable. Confirm that the document is saved to OneDrive or SharePoint rather than a local folder. Some older file formats, app configurations, or managed work and school settings may limit cloud features. If the controls remain unavailable, check Office’s account and update status or ask the organization’s administrator about managed settings.

Changes are not appearing on another device. Confirm that OneDrive is signed in to the expected account, the PC is online, and the file is in a synced location. Check the OneDrive icon for a paused or error state, then allow time for pending uploads. Avoid editing conflicting copies until you identify which version contains the latest work.

Turning off AutoSave did not stop files from syncing. That is expected: Office’s setting controls automatic saving in supported cloud documents, while the OneDrive client can continue syncing its folders. Change OneDrive settings if the aim is to stop folder synchronization.

A file seems to disappear after changing sync settings. Folder selection can make files unavailable on a particular PC without deleting the cloud copy. Check OneDrive online or another connected device before deleting or moving anything. Do not assume that a local-only copy has uploaded successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does turning off AutoSave disable OneDrive?
No. It changes Office’s automatic saving behavior for cloud documents. OneDrive can still sync files and folders until you change its own settings.

Will Office 2016 automatically save every file to OneDrive?
No. The document must be stored in a supported cloud location, and the relevant Office setting must be available and enabled. Files saved only on the PC are not automatically uploaded just because the option is selected.

Does disabling AutoSave delete my existing cloud files?
No. Disabling the setting does not itself remove saved documents. It changes how Office handles automatic saving; use OneDrive’s file controls separately if you intend to remove a file.

Can I turn the setting off in Word but leave it on in Excel?
Yes. Check and change the Save options in each Office application separately; do not assume a change in one app applies across the Office suite.

How do I stop OneDrive syncing without deleting files online?
Pause syncing, change which folders sync to the PC, or unlink the PC from the account. Check that uploads are complete first, and verify the cloud copy before removing local files.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.