Change default "Save as" file location to "Recent files"

Question

I'm using Microsoft® Excel® for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2307 Build 16.0.16626.20198) 64-bit

I used to be able to go to File - Save As and have the Recent Files be the default location for the files. Now it's defaulting to the OneDrive location. How can I change it back so when I follow those steps the default save location selected is the recent files?

1. Just to be clear the recent files "tab" is present and on the top, but for some reason the OneDrive, which is second, is the selected option every time.
2. On Options - Save... "Show additional places for saving" is disabled, and "Save to computer by default" is disabled. ( I tried all iterations of these options and this didn't solve the problem)

3.I do not want to have a default folder as the location, I want it to be the recent files.

I hope you can help me.

Thanks

JP

Answer 1

Dear AJose Padron,

Greetings! Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community. We are happy to help you.

I went through your post carefully. May I know if the situation is that when you go to File>Save As, the Recent option is not selected, but OneDrive option is selected? (in the screenshot below, Recent option is selected)

If my understanding of the scenario is right, I would like to collect following information to narrow down the issue:

1. Does this issue happen in Excel only? Does it happen in Word and PowerPoint?

2.May I know the channel of your Excel? Please go to File>Account, capture a screenshot of Product Information which contains Version and Channel information.

3.As you mentioned this used to work, may I know when did this happen? Did it start from an Office update?

Look forward to your reply. Thanks for your time and cooperation!

We hope you stay safe and healthy always.

Sincerely,

Tina | Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 2

Hey Tina, so YES to your first question, the Recent option is not selected. (I want it to be selected like in your screenshot).

And here are the answers to your other questions

1. No, I have the same issue with Word and PowerPoint.
2. I can't upload screenshots but this is what is showing Microsoft® Excel® for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2307 Build 16.0.16626.20198) 64-bit

3.I think it started after a recent update (I have another PC with version 2302 Build 16.0.16130.20754 and doesn't have that problem).

Answer 3

Dear AJose Padron,

Thank you for posting back and sharing with me the detailed information.

I may need some time to test in same version Excel from my side and check if I reproduce the situation or not.

At the same time, since you mentioned

I have another PC with version 2302 Build 16.0.16130.20754 and doesn't have that problem

May I know what is the Channel of Office on your 2 PCs, same channels or different channels?

To check Channel, you can go to File>Account, check the channel next to About Excel/About Word, as shown below.

Thanks for your time and cooperation!

Sincerely,

Tina | Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 4

They both say Monthly Enterprise Channel

Answer 5

Dear AJose Padron,

Thank you for posting back and sharing with me the Channel information.

I have finished tests in same Version and Channel of Excel App as yours, I reproduced the same situation as you mentioned. (As shown in screenshots below) When I clicked File>Save As, the selected option is OneDrive but not Recent.

Considering that you have another PC with same Monthly Enterprise Channel but older version of Excel, I'm afraid the issue may be caused by an Office update. I do understand the inconvenience caused and apologize for it.

On one hand, you may try using Office deployment tool to revert Office to the older version 2302 as you mentioned, then the "Save as" file location may change to "Recent files"

For detailed steps about reverting Office version, please refer to **** How to revert to an earlier version of Office

On the other hand, since this issue occurs after Office update, I'm afraid it is caused by the backend server which needs to be investigated and fixed from backed.

I sincerely recommend you send feedback for this issue via File > Feedback > I Don't Like Something.

Feedback submit by this way directly goes to the related team, this is the best way to let the developers aware of this situation, do investigation and fix the issue soon. At the same time, we will also feedback from our end.

Appreciate your patience and understanding and thank you for your time and cooperation.

Hope you have a nice day!!

Sincerely,

Tina | Microsoft Community Moderator