MS Word Version 16.111.2 for Mac cannot update a backup file

Question

MS Word saves Backup files in a folder with the same name as the file being edited. But, since a recent update, after editing the file and trying to save, it comes up with the error: "Word cannot delete the old backup file because it is read-only or another user has it open."

This is nonsense, since there is no other user, the file has RW access, and the folder has RWX access. There is no hidden file in the backup folder. These permissions all checked in the Terminal app.

It all worked until a few weeks ago with a recent MSWord update. The only way around it seems to be to delete the backup folder, and then MSWord does not save a backup at all. Or to save with a different name.

I am running macOS Tahoe 26.5.2, and MSWord 16.111.2.

Answer 1

Hello ChrisS,

I can see why this is frustrating, especially since the permissions appear correct.

Could you test the following?

• Completely quit Word, then reopen the document.
• Create a new document on the Mac’s local Documents folder and enable Always create backup copy.
• Check whether the same error occurs with that new local document.
• Let us know whether the affected document is stored locally, in OneDrive, iCloud Drive, or another synchronized folder.

Microsoft’s current Word for Mac known-issues page does not list this specific error, so I cannot confirm that Word 16.111.2 introduced a known issue.

If the problem also occurs with a new local document, please report it through Word > Help > Feedback and contact Microsoft 365 support, including the exact Word and macOS versions.