By default, Microsoft Word automatically saves your document every 5 or 10 minutes in case something happens to the computer while working on a document. To change the AutoRecover timing option, select your version of Microsoft Word from the list below and follow the instructions.

Microsoft Word 2013 and later

  • In Microsoft Word, click the File tab at the top of the program window.
  • In the left navigation menu, click Options.
  • In the Word Options window, click Save in the left navigation menu.
  • Under Save documents, for the Save AutoRecover information every minutes option, change the number of minutes Microsoft Word should automatically save any open documents.

In Microsoft Word 365, there is no AutoRecover setting. Your Word 365 documents are saved and backed up as you make changes, instead of periodically.

  • Microsoft Word 2013 and later.

  • Microsoft Word 2010.

  • Microsoft Word 2007.

  • Microsoft Word 2003 and 2000.

  • Microsoft Word for macOS.

  • Related information.

  • Click the OK button in the bottom-right corner of the Word Options window to save your changes.

Microsoft Word 2010

  • Click File and then Options.
  • Click Save.
  • Increase or decrease the AutoRecover minutes setting.

Microsoft Word 2007

  • Click the Office Button.
  • Click Word Options.
  • Click Save.
  • Increase or decrease the AutoRecover minutes setting.

Microsoft Word 2003 and 2000

  • Click Tools and then Options.
  • Click the Save tab.
  • In the “Save AutoRecover info every xx minutes” section, increase or decrease the value.

Microsoft Word for macOS

  • In the Word menu, click Preferences.
  • Increase or decrease the AutoRecover option.
  • How to save a document.
  • Where should I save files?
  • How to create a document.
  • See the autosave definition for further information and related links.
  • Microsoft Word help and support.