Excel AutoSave issue not saving in same folder

Question

Excel autosave has turned off for files that are not in my \OneDrive\Documents folder. I do not save any files in that base folder, which is a huge problem for file management.

When I turn it back on autosave for a file that is saved outside of the documents folder, lets say \OneDrive\Documents\excel-files I then get the How do I turn on AutoSave? dialog box.

When I select my personal account (I have a work and personal OneDrive) it will then save the file but will do so back to the \OneDrive\Documents

This has never been an issue until a few months ago. I have had a work and personal account operating for years harmoniously so it shouldn't be an issue.

Answer 1

Exact same problem for me. Just started happening the last week or so. Went through the steps of logging out and back in and all the rest and it will only autosave to the OneDrive default location.

Answer 2

Sadly, I never found a solution and gave up. Generally I can find solutions but this one alludes me.

Answer 3

I am having the same issue and none of these steps worked for me. I didn't have an issue until 2 days ago when suddenly all the Autosaves turned off for my files. No idea what prompted this change - I didn't make any changes, though I don't know if my organization did something behind the scenes.

Answer 4

Hi ACrane7

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

I realize that you've encountered a problem with " Excel AutoSave issue not saving in same folder ", and I understand how you feel. Don't worry, I'll do my best to help you.

To resolve the Excel AutoSave issue where files are not saving in the correct folder and are being redirected to \OneDrive\Documents, follow these steps:

1. Verify OneDrive Sync Settings

• Ensure Subfolders Are Synced: Open OneDrive settings (right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray > Settings > Account > Choose folders). Confirm that the subfolder (e.g., \OneDrive\Documents\excel-files) is selected for syncing.
• Check Both Work and Personal Accounts: If you have separate OneDrive accounts (work/personal), ensure both are properly synced and that the intended folders for AutoSave are selected in both accounts.

2. Set the Default AutoSave Account in Excel

• Link the Correct Account:
  1. Open Excel and go to File > Account.
  2. Under User Information, ensure your preferred OneDrive account (work or personal) is listed as the primary account for AutoSave.
  3. If multiple accounts appear, use Sign out to remove conflicting accounts, then re-authenticate with the desired account.

3. Adjust AutoSave Preferences

• Force AutoSave to Respect Folder Structure:
  • When saving a file for the first time or enabling AutoSave, manually navigate to the desired subfolder (e.g., \OneDrive\Documents\excel-files) instead of relying on the default prompt. This ensures the file is stored in the correct location.
• Disable AutoSave Temporarily:
  • Turn off AutoSave (via the toggle in the Excel toolbar) before saving the file manually to the correct folder. Re-enable AutoSave afterward—it should now recognize the file’s location.

4. Check Excel’s Default Save Location

• Go to File > Options > Save.
• Under Save workbooks, ensure the default local or cloud save path matches your intended folder (e.g., \OneDrive\Documents\excel-files).

5. Alternative: Use a Dedicated Folder Outside Documents

• Move your excel-files folder to a location directly under your OneDrive root (e.g., \OneDrive\excel-files), which may simplify syncing and AutoSave behavior.

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By following these steps, Excel should respect your folder structure and AutoSave files to the correct location.

Feel free to share updates with me on how things are progressing after you've completed the aforementioned steps. Should you have any questions or require clarification, do not hesitate to reach out to me. I‘d like to do my utmost to assist you.

Best regards

Adrian.C-MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist