Word or Excel still saves to OneDrive: check the file location, not just the default

Start with one file and its full path

Do not begin by disconnecting OneDrive or relocating your whole Documents folder. First decide what you need: a separate local deliverable, a new default for future documents, or a change to folder backup. Those are different tasks.

Save a separate local copy

For an existing cloud file, use File → Save a Copy before making changes that should not affect the shared original. Depending on the document's location, the command may appear as Save As. Browse to a deliberately chosen local folder and use a distinguishable filename.

Microsoft's AutoSave guidance explains why creating the copy first matters: with AutoSave active, edits can already be saved to the original before you use a later save command.

Close the copy after saving, then reopen it from the destination folder in File Explorer. Check its filename and location. A useful review question is whether you could point a colleague to the exact saved file without relying on the application's Recent list.

Change the default for new documents

In the Windows desktop application, go to File → Options → Save. Enable Save to Computer by default and specify the Default local file location. Pick a folder that exists and that you intend to use. Repeat the setting in the other application if needed: Word's working-folder preference does not set Excel's. Microsoft's save-experience documentation describes these controls.

Create a disposable new document and inspect the location proposed by its first save. This distinguishes a default that is not taking effect from an older document that is correctly continuing to save in its existing location.

Check whether the destination is backed up

Open OneDrive's settings and inspect Sync and backup → Manage backup to see which standard folders are backed up. Microsoft documents how Desktop and Documents can be included in folder backup.

If your aim is simply one local copy, choose a folder outside the synced locations you have identified. Do not toggle folder backup off as a shortcut: stopping backup has separate choices about where files remain and deserves its own migration plan.

Understand the local-copy tradeoff

A local file outside the supported cloud locations will not use cloud AutoSave in the same way. Save your edits deliberately and maintain a separate backup. A local copy also becomes a separate working version, so decide which copy is authoritative before sharing it.

If the save preference is unavailable or keeps reverting on an organization-managed computer, record the app version, proposed path, and exact message, then ask IT. For a personal installation, use Microsoft Support through the linked documentation. Avoid registry edits or policy bypasses merely to change a save destination.