Microsoft’s new Word tests are a direct threat to Google Docs

By Paulo Vargas Published October 10, 2025

What’s happened? Microsoft is trialing ‘cloud-first save’ for Word on Windows, where the documents would be pushed into OneDrive automatically. Starting now for that Windows Insiders, the group that tests new features first, the changes make backup and cross-device access feel invisible, reports Windows Central.

This is important because: This looks like Microsoft testing the waters before a wider push. But this is adopting the mechanism that’s used in Google Workspace, where cloud saving has always been the default.

Why should I care? When Word defaults to cloud saving, some people may move sensitive drafts online without meaning to. That can be risky depending on policies, though once files live in OneDrive, the broader ecosystem often clicks.

Okay, so what’s next? This is Insiders only (for now), and if you’re one of these and prefer saving locally, you can opt out.