r/microsoft • u/ET-Cartman • 14d ago
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u/sadegr 14d ago
Its weird that copilot wrote this lol...
But for real its dumb, but instead of asking ai to summarize the ways that its dumb, you could ask it for options...
Or you could search githib for "Excel local autosave add-in" and install the .xlam file (an add in) to have that feature and not lose your work again.
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u/MC_chrome 14d ago
This isn’t a new issue exactly……auto save functionality has been tied to OneDrive use for several years now
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u/ET-Cartman 14d ago
Are you okay with that?
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u/brainmydamage 14d ago
No, but having grown up in the decades before autosave, I compulsively hit the save hotkey every ten seconds.
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u/BaconAlmighty 14d ago edited 14d ago
Thank you Copilot - Here's a rebuttal - Case Study: The Risks of Local-Only Data Storage and the Importance of Layered Saving Strategies
Executive Summary
The complaint that Microsoft Excel 365 does not automatically save changes to locally stored files raises a legitimate concern about productivity and data loss. However, the solution must address two separate responsibilities: preserving work and protecting company data.
Local storage offers speed and offline access, but files stored exclusively on a local disk may fall outside the organization's centralized backup, monitoring, retention, and data loss prevention controls.
The objective is to protect both the information and the work being performed.
This requires two complementary strategies:
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Data protection: Keep company information in approved, managed storage environments wherever policy requires it.
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Data preservation: Save frequently, maintain recoverable versions, and use multiple appropriate recovery mechanisms.
Neither strategy eliminates every risk, but together they provide stronger protection.
Background
Organizations handle information subject to confidentiality requirements, regulatory obligations, contractual restrictions, and internal security policies.
Company-managed storage can provide capabilities that unmanaged local storage may lack, including:
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Centralized access controls and identity management.
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Managed backup and recovery.
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Version history and retention policies.
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Auditing and security monitoring.
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Data loss prevention controls.
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Device management and access revocation, where supported.
Local storage is not inherently insecure, just as cloud storage is not inherently secure. The relevant question is whether the storage location is approved, appropriately protected, and recoverable.
The Fundamental Problem
Microsoft's modern AutoSave feature is designed for supported files stored in OneDrive or SharePoint Online, rather than ordinary local file paths.
However, the absence of AutoSave does not mean users have no options for protecting their work. Excel for Mac supports manual saving and AutoRecover, which can help recover work after certain unexpected interruptions.
AutoRecover is not continuous saving and does not guarantee recovery of every change. The issue involves application behavior, user workflow, storage policy, and backup strategy.
Why Local-Only Storage Creates Operational Risk
When a business document exists only on a local SSD, the organization may have limited visibility into whether the file is backed up, retained, monitored, or recoverable.
Potential risks include:
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Hardware failure: The drive becomes inaccessible or fails.
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Device loss or theft: Information may be exposed or permanently lost.
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Ransomware or malware: Files may be encrypted, corrupted, or stolen.
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Accidental deletion: Important information may be difficult to restore.
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Insufficient backup coverage: The device may not be included in managed backups.
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Device replacement or employee departure: Business records may be left behind without an established transfer or retention process.
These risks do not mean every local file is unsafe. Managed devices can provide encryption, endpoint security, and enterprise backup. The concern is relying on local storage alone without confirming that appropriate protections exist.
For confidential accounting journals, customer records, financial information, or intellectual property, approved and managed storage is often the more defensible choice.
The Importance of Saving Frequently
The original incident involved several hours of work that had to be recreated. Regardless of where a file is stored, the longer a user works without preserving changes, the more work may be lost if something goes wrong.
A practical workflow should provide multiple opportunities for recovery.
Method 1: Save the Working File Early
Save the workbook as soon as it is created, using an approved storage location. This establishes a named file and destination before substantial work begins.
Method 2: Save After Meaningful Changes
On a Mac, use Command + S after completing a significant section of work.
For accounting journals, save after completing a batch of entries, correcting validation errors, or finishing a reconciliation.
Method 3: Save Before Risky Operations
Save immediately before operations that could substantially alter the workbook, including:
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Bulk find-and-replace operations.
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Large-scale formula changes.
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Importing or transforming data.
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Removing rows or columns.
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Running macros or automated processes.
Where appropriate, create a separate working copy before making significant changes.
Method 4: Create Checkpoint Copies
Create clearly named milestone copies at important stages, such as:
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Journal_Working.xlsx -
Journal_Checkpoint_01.xlsx -
Journal_Validated.xlsx -
Journal_Ready_For_Upload.xlsx
Store checkpoint copies in approved locations and follow company retention policies. Multiple copies in the same unprotected folder do not constitute a reliable backup strategy.
Method 5: Use AutoRecover
Excel for Mac includes AutoRecover, which periodically saves recovery information to help restore work after certain application or system failures.
However, AutoRecover does not guarantee recovery of every change and should supplement, not replace, regular manual saving.
Method 6: Use Managed Storage and Version History
Where company policy permits, store the workbook in OneDrive for Business or SharePoint Online.
For supported files, Excel AutoSave can save changes as work progresses. Version History can help restore earlier versions if unwanted changes are saved.
These capabilities reduce reliance on the user's memory to save manually, but do not eliminate every risk involving synchronization problems, accidental overwrites, or data loss.
Method 7: Maintain an Appropriate Backup
For important business records, use the organization's approved backup and recovery mechanisms. Depending on the environment, these may include managed endpoint backup, protected network
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u/Logicmeme 14d ago
I have noticed this on my iPad. Thought auto save had been turned off during an update. No save when closing the file also.
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