Recently, a significant glitch in Microsoft Word has come to light, causing some documents to be erased instead of saved. Microsoft has acknowledged a frustrating bug affecting users of Microsoft Word, where documents can be deleted if named incorrectly. Specifically, files with extensions like (.DOCX, .RTF instead of .docx or .rtf), or names containing # symbol are at risk. When users attempt to save their work after editing, the document may vanish instead of being saved.
Fortunately, the bug doesn’t permanently erase your Word documents; instead, it simply relocates them to the Recycle Bin.
If you’ve encountered this issue, checking the Recycle Bin should allow you to recover your affected files easily. To avoid triggering this bug, Microsoft recommends manually saving your document before closing Word. The problem mainly arises when users click the X in the top right corner and save the file that way.
Additionally, Microsoft advises enabling the option “Don’t show the Backstage when opening or saving files with keyboard shortcuts.” You can find this setting under “File > Options > Save.” This temporary measure may help prevent the issue until a permanent fix is implemented. Activating this may reduce the likelihood of encountering the issue when saving files.
The bug has promoted calls for quick resolution, especially on those who rely on Microsoft Word on a daily basis. Users are eager for Microsoft to address this bug promptly to restore confidence in the reliability of their word processing software.
Steps to mitigate this issue;
- Manual Saves: Always save documents manually before closing Word, using
Ctrl + S(Windows) orCmd + S(Mac). - Enable Autosave: Make sure Autosave is turned on to reduce data loss.
- Backup Regularly: Use cloud storage services like OneDrive or Google Drive for backups.
- Use Alternative Software: Consider using other word processors, such as Google Docs or LibreOffice Writer, until the issue is resolved.
Once Microsoft addresses the bug causing Word documents to be auto-deleted, it’s essential to update your Microsoft 365 installation to ensure you have the latest fixes. Regularly checking for updates can help maintain the software’s reliability.
