Locally saved Word files with capitalized file extensions or # in the title may be deleted after save

Last Updated: October 3, 2024

ISSUE

Users may encounter an issue in version 2409 where their file is deleted after save if the title contains a capitalized file extension (.DOCX, .RTF) or #. The issue occurs after making an edit to the file and saving when prompted after trying to close Word.

STATUS: WORKAROUND

The Word Team is investigating this issue. 

To work around the issue, users can:

• Find and restore the deleted file from the recycle bin.

• Manually save their document before closing.

  • Our current tests show the issue occurs after saving when prompted on clicking X to close Word. It does not currently reproduce when manually saving before close.

• Enable the option “Don’t show the Backstage when opening or saving files with keyboard shortcuts”

  • This can be enabled by going to File > Options > Save > Don’t show the Backstage when opening or saving files with keyboard shortcuts.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/locally-saved-word-files-with-capitalized-file-extensions-or-in-the-title-may-be-deleted-after-save-5e28f8c2-32d0-487b-b237-9c7c74d25f84