How to Change Default Save Location in Word 365 with Screen Reader

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Saving files in the correct folder makes work easier and faster. In Microsoft Word 365, files usually save to OneDrive by default. But many users prefer saving files to a USB drive, D drive, or another folder on the computer.

If you use JAWS or NVDA, this guide will help you change the default save location, pin important folders, and clear recent save locations using only keyboard shortcuts.

Table of Contents

Change the Default Save Location in Word 365

Many users do not want every document saved to OneDrive. Some people prefer:

  • USB flash drives
  • D drive or another local drive
  • Offline folders
  • Separate folders for office or school work
  • Changing the default save location helps Word remember your preferred folder so you can save files more quickly.

If you are new to Microsoft Word accessibility, first read this guide:

How to Use the MS Word 365 Startup Screen with a Screen Reader

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Open the Save Dialog Box

  1. Press Ctrl + S to open the Save dialog box. Focus will move to the file name field where you can type the document name.
    • Press Tab until you hear: “Choose a Location combo box”
  2. Press Spacebar to open the list of available save locations.

You can now move through the list using the arrow keys.

Change the Default Save Location

You can make any folder your default save location.

  1. Open the save locations list.
  2. Use the Down Arrow keys to move through the available folders and drives.
  3. Move to the location you want to use as the default save location.
  4. Press the Applications key to open the context menu.
  5. Select with arrow keys “Set as Default Location”
  6. Press Enter.

JAWS or NVDA will announce: “Default location”. The selected folder will now appear at the top of the save locations list.

Pin Important Save Locations

Pinning a location keeps it available in the recent locations list even after clearing recent items. This is useful for folders you use every day.

  1. Press Ctrl + S to open the Save dialog box.
  2. Open the locations list and move to the folder you want to pin.
  3. Press the Applications key.
  4. Select with arrow keys “Pin to List”
  5. Press Enter.

Your screen reader will announce: “Pinned”

The folder is now permanently available in the list.

How to Unpin a Location

If you no longer want a folder pinned:

  1. Move to the pinned location.
  2. Press the Applications key.
  3. Select: “Unpin from List”
  4. Press Enter.

The location will now behave like a normal recent item.

Clear Recent Save Locations

Over time, the recent locations list can become crowded. Clearing unused locations makes navigation easier for screen reader users.

  1. Press Alt + F, then press A to open the Save As section.
  2. Press Tab until focus reaches: “This PC”
  3. Press the Left Arrow key until you reach: “Recent”
  4. Press Tab again to move to the recent locations list.

You will now hear all recently used save locations.

Remove Unwanted Locations

You can remove one location or clear all unpinned locations.

Remove One Location

  1. Move to the location you want to remove.
  2. Press the Applications key.
  3. Select with arrow keys “Remove from List”
  4. Press Enter.

Clear All Unpinned Locations

  1. Press the Applications key while focused on the recent locations list.
  2. Select with arrow keys “Clear Unpinned Items”
  3. Press Enter.

A confirmation message will appear with focus on “Yes”

  1. Press Enter again to confirm.

All unpinned locations will be removed. Pinned locations will remain available.

Why This Feature is Helpful

Managing save locations properly can improve your workflow in Microsoft Word 365.

It helps you:

  1. Save files more quickly
  2. Avoid repeated folder browsing
  3. Keep important folders easy to access
  4. Stay organized while working

Before saving documents, it is also helpful to learn how to select text properly in Word:

How to Select Text in Microsoft Word with a Screen Reader

You can improve navigation skills further by learning Ribbon commands:

Using Ribbons in Word with Screen Readers (JAWS or NVDA)

Another useful guide:

Ribbons in Word 365

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Final Thoughts

Changing the default save location in Word 365 becomes very easy once you learn the keyboard shortcuts. You can save files faster, keep folders organized, and improve your workflow with JAWS or NVDA.

Practice these steps regularly. After a little practice, they will become part of your normal routine.

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