How to change the "save as" window to the older version

Hi Matthew McDonald

I also preference for the classic file explorer-style dialog it’s familiar, fast, and gets the job done without extra steps. The newer dialog you’re seeing is part of the Office “Backstage” experience, designed to integrate cloud options like OneDrive. However, if you’d prefer to bypass this and use the older dialog by default, there’s a simple setting you can change.

Please open any Office app (like Word), go to File → Options → Save, and look for the checkbox labeled “Don’t show the Backstage when opening or saving files”. Once enabled, this will restore the classic Save As dialog when you use keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+S or Ctrl+Shift+S.

If you typically save files using the File menu rather than shortcuts, this setting may not apply universally. In that case, the quickest workaround is to continue using the “Browse” button, which reliably opens the older dialog.

We understand that consistency matters, and we’re always listening to feedback about user experience. I’ll make sure your preference is noted internally as well.

If this answer helps resolve your issue, please feel free to hit “Accept Answer” so we know it worked for you and it could be spread further to those in need too. If not, is there anything I can help you with? Please let me know.