MS 365 Word keeps saying can not find files

Question

MS 365 Word keeps saying can not find files

McMurray2025 25

When opening a file in Word, I randomly get a message that it can not find the file, saying it might have been moved, renamed or deleted. I have no idea why this is happening but I am not deleting these files and I am trying to understand why this is happening. Doing a search comes up empty. All my documents are stored/saved in the documents folder which is sync'ed with OneDrive. cant find 1

The location of saved files seems incorrect as the default is Documents. It pic below, once the location says Documents I will get the error message.

cant find 2

I must be missing something but I now have lost multiple documents and don't understand how. Thanks.

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Answer accepted by question author

EmilyS726 258.5K Independent Advisor

Hello,

Can you go to https://www.onedrive.com Sign into the same Microsoft account, then go to Documents folder, do you see the files there?

If so, back on your computer, can you make sure your OneDrive app is running? See if you have the cloud icon on the lower right on your taskbar. If not, launch the OneDrive app from start menu > all apps, and make sure the app is signed in and running. Then see if you can open the files.

McMurray2025 25 Reputation points

2025-10-30T15:56:00.9533333+00:00

Thanks - yes when I signed into OneDrive the file was there. (I thought that when I did a search on the onedrive folder on my PC that it would also check the cloud, but I guess not) So Once I open the file on the cloud it now shows in recent files used with the updated path and lets me open it. Thank you!

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Your answer

McMurray2025 25 Reputation points

2025-10-30T15:56:00.9533333+00:00

Thanks - yes when I signed into OneDrive the file was there. (I thought that when I did a search on the onedrive folder on my PC that it would also check the cloud, but I guess not) So Once I open the file on the cloud it now shows in recent files used with the updated path and lets me open it. Thank you!

Answer 1

Hi McMurray ,

This issue usually happens when the file’s location changes or when OneDrive/SharePoint sync temporarily breaks. Here are a few things to check:

Check file location: Make sure the file is still in the same folder or OneDrive path where Word expects it. If it was moved or renamed, update the file path and try reopening it.

Verify OneDrive status: If the file is stored in OneDrive, ensure OneDrive is running and synced (check the cloud icon in your taskbar). A paused or disconnected sync can make Word think the file is missing.

Avoid temporary folders: If you’re opening files from email attachments or temporary downloads, move them to a permanent folder (like Documents) before editing.

Try “Open → Browse”: Instead of recent files, use File → Open → Browse to manually locate and open the file. This can refresh Word’s file links.

Repair Office: Go to Settings → Apps → Microsoft 365 → Modify → Quick Repair and follow the prompts. This often fixes minor file-access issues.

If it keeps happening, note where the file is saved (local or cloud) and whether other apps can open it — that helps narrow down the cause.

Hope this helps! 😊