Fix: Word AutoRecover Not Saving or Working

Why AutoRecover Stops Working

AutoRecover silently creates backup files as you work. If it stops working, you lose crash protection.

Step-by-Step Fix

Step 1: Verify AutoRecover Settings

1. Go to File > Options > Save
2. Check Save AutoRecover information every [X] minutes
3. Set the interval to 5 minutes for maximum protection
4. Check Keep the last AutoRecovered version if I close without saving
5. Note the AutoRecover file location path

Step 2: Verify the Save Location Exists

1. Copy the AutoRecover file location path
2. Press Windows + R, paste the path, press Enter
3. If the folder doesn’t exist, create it manually
4. Check that you have write permissions to this folder

Step 3: Check File Format

AutoRecover only works with certain formats:

• .docx — supported
• .doc — supported
• .dotx — supported
• .rtf — NOT supported
• .txt — NOT supported

If your file is .rtf or .txt, save as .docx first.

Step 4: Reset Word Settings

1. Close Word
2. Press Windows + R, type %appdata%\Microsoft\Templates
3. Delete Normal.dotm
4. Reopen Word — AutoRecover should reset to defaults

Testing AutoRecover

1. Open a new document and type some text
2. Wait for the AutoRecover interval to pass
3. Open Task Manager and end the Word process (simulating a crash)
4. Reopen Word — the Document Recovery pane should appear