Save a file

The first time you save a file, you need to create a name for the file and choose where you want to save it. If you open a file and want to save a separate copy instead of replacing the file you opened, you’ll need to save the file using a new name or save it in a different location.

Most apps save files in a default location. For example, the apps you use for working with documents might display OneDrive as the default save location. When you save files to OneDrive, you can get to them from any device, even if something happens to your PC. But you can always save your files somewhere else if you want.

To save a file from a desktop app

When you’re using a desktop app and tap or click to save a file, the Save as dialog box appears.

The Save As dialog boxThe Save As dialog box

To select your save options, follow these steps.

  1. Use the address bar or the left pane to choose a different location for saving the file:

    In the address bar, you can tap or click a part of the path to go up to that location, or you can enter the full path to a folder (for example, E:\FromMom).

    In the left pane, you can tap or click a location to view its contents, or tap or click an arrow to expand a location. If you don't see the left pane, tap or click Browse Folders in the lower left corner of the Save As dialog box to display it.

  2. In the File name box, enter a name for the file.

  3. Some apps can save multiple types of files. If you see the Save as type box, you can use it to pick the file type you want.

  4. Depending on the app and the type of file you're saving, you might be able to add file properties like tags when you save the file. For example, you can add tags and other properties to Microsoft Office documents, pictures (such as JPEG files), and music (such as MP3 files). You can use these properties to search for and organize your files.

  5. When you’re done, tap or click Save.

Note

Note

If the Save As dialog box appears when you're trying to print a document, it's because Microsoft XPS Document Writer or another "print to file" option was selected, and not a real printer. When you print from an app, open the app's print options and make sure your printer is selected and no "print to file" option is selected.

To save a file from other apps

The options you have for saving filesThe options you have for saving files

Here's how to save a file (such as an email attachment) from an app like Mail:

  1. To choose a different location, tap or click the heading in the upper-left corner of the screen.

    Tip

    Tip

    To open the location where the current folder is saved, tap or click Go up.

  2. Enter a name for the file.

  3. Some apps can save multiple types of files. If you see the box, you can use it to pick the file type you want.

  4. Tap or click the button in the lower right to save the file (the button name can be different, depending on the app).

Notes

Notes

  • When you save a file, some files that are in the location might not appear. You'll only see the types of files the app can save and open.

  • You can't use File Explorer to save files—you need to use an app. Typically, you open and save a file in the app that was used to create it.

  • Your PC and OneDrive both have folders called "Documents" and "Pictures" that you can save files in. The two folders aren't related. If you save files in the Documents folder on your PC, it isn't uploaded to OneDrive.

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