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How do I create a new blank document with Word in Office 365?

Anonymous
2021-01-23T18:00:31+00:00

Newly installed Windows 10 Pro for Workstations and Office 365 subscription.  Also, I navigated through the procedure to install all of the Office 365 apps for offline use.

Now, disconnected from network, I launch Word, see the red banner noting that I am offline, and select to create a new blank document.  That results in an error pop-up saying "unable to create new documents" with this explanation "We're unable to create a new document at this time. Please try again later." with a button to "Dismiss".

I research and found several articles explaining that I cannot create with templates while offline, but can just create a new document, presumably without templates.

QUESTION:  What setting and procedure, precisely, must I use to simply create a new document while offline?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows

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  1. Stefan Blom 341.9K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2021-01-23T19:07:19+00:00

    Online templates won't be accessible if you are not online. However, once you have downloaded a template you should have access to it, even when you are offline. 

    Click File > Options > Save and select "Save to Computer by default." Clear the check mark next to "Show additional places for saving, even if sign-in may be required."

    Also, check which locations have been specified for saving and accessing documents and templates in Word. You would want these locations to be on your computer's drive. 

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  2. Anonymous
    2021-01-23T20:39:05+00:00

    In the application, what happens if you use File > New and pick blank document?

    What happens if you use Ctrl+N?

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  3. Stefan Blom 341.9K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2021-01-23T19:26:40+00:00

    I just updated my previous message to include instructions for verifying that documents and templates are saved locally.

    However, to create a new, blank document, you should simply be able to press Ctrl+N in any (locally installed) version of Word.

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  4. Anonymous
    2021-01-23T18:57:41+00:00

    Hi

    If you want to work offline and you have an Office 365 subscription you should open the desktop application. Try, using Windows search, typing word.exe and enter.

    This forum is a user-to-user support forum. I am a fellow user.

    I hope this information helps.

    Please let me know if you have any more questions or require further help.

    You can ask for more help by replying to this post (Reply button below).

    Stay well

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  5. Anonymous
    2021-01-23T19:13:17+00:00

    I understand how to open the desktop app.  It is after opening that i click to create a new blank document but get an error popup notification that it is not possible.

    I need instuctions for have to eliminate such errors.

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