Message in Word File/Options dialog box "Server drafts location...is not valid"

Rebecca Hilbrink 0 Reputation points
2025-10-30T18:55:57.66+00:00

In Word Office 365 unchecking the Enable Copilot box in the File/Options dialog box, I get the message, "Microsoft Word, The server drafts location you entered for offline editing is not valid or you do not have permission to access that location. Specify a location on your local computer." This is my home computer and it happens with every Word file I create. I've tried to change the server drafts location in the Options dialog box, but you can't type in it nor is there a Browse button next to it because that item has been disabled in Office 365. I've looked in the registry editor and there is no Location item for Office to change manually.

In fact, anything I try to change in the File/Options dialog box can't be saved because this message appears after clicking on the OK button in the dialog box. Please help me get rid of Copilot as it is constantly in the way of copy and pasting.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows
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Answer recommended by moderator
Stefan Blom 351.5K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
2025-10-30T20:40:36.4766667+00:00

The only way to change the server drafts location is to edit the Windows registry.

Exit Word. Hold the Windows logo key as you press R; in the Run dialog box, type regedit and press Enter. If you see a User Account Control prompt, click yes.

Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\Common\Offline\Options and create a new String value and call it Location. Double-click the newly created String and set an existing path on your hard drive. In the example below, I used C:\ (as you can tell from the screen shot).

Exit the Registry Editor and restart Word.

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