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Issue: Word Online exhibits a critical data loss bug on Linux systems. When autosave triggers during a typing pause, recently entered text is deleted rather than saved. Entire paragraphs can be lost immediately following composition. Autosave cannot be disabled in Word Online, rendering the feature fundamentally dysfunctional on Linux platforms.
Context: Forum archives indicate this defect has persisted for multiple years and affects numerous users. Microsoft provides no native Linux applications, leaving Word Online as the primary option for Linux-based workflows.
Current workaround: Composing documents in LibreOffice Writer before uploading to OneDrive circumvents the issue but disrupts integrated cloud workflows with Microsoft-locked colleagues.
Request: I am seeking solutions from users who have resolved this bug while maintaining a Linux environment. Windows migration is not viable for my configuration and does not address the underlying software defect.
A family of Microsoft word processing software products for creating web, email, and print documents.
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I can confirm the same issue is happening to myself on Linux Mint with Firefox, it appears that when when using commands such as CTRL + arrows, or swapping desktop workspaces that auto-save wipes the progress made between the current and last save, which also has no history, e.g. CTRL + Z/Y.
My workflow requires that I use Linux due to tooling, and cannot simply swap operating systems to avoid the problem. It is a recent issue, one which I've never had before.
The solution for now seems to be to change browser to Chromium. My understanding is that many Microsoft programs are increasingly based on Chromium (e.g. Edge, Teams) so it makes sense that Word Online works as intended here. Phew!
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Hi @Jim-3272,
Thank you for sharing. I’m glad to hear that your previous issue has been resolved. If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to let me know. I’ll be happy to assist you.
Hi @Jim-3272,
Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A forum.
Thank you for contacting me. I apologize for any inconvenience this issue may have caused you.
To receive more in-depth support regarding the use of Word Online on the Linux operating system, I recommend that you contact Microsoft Technical Support directly for further assistance with this issue.
To create a support ticket with Microsoft, please follow the steps below:
Note: The steps below require Tenant Administrator (Admin) permissions. If you do not have admin privileges, please contact your organization’s IT department for assistance with these steps.
Step 1: Go to https://admin.microsoft.com
Step 2: Select Help & Support
Step 3: Enter the subject: Word data loss when AutoSave is enabled
Step 4: Click Contact Support
Step 5: Choose your preferred contact method
After the system receives the ticket and assigns it to a support agent, an agent will proactively contact you to provide further assistance with this issue.
I hope this information is helpful.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to share them in the comments on this post so I can continue to support you.
I look forward to continuing the conversation.