Microsoft Confirms Word Save as PDF Bug Sends Files to Wrong Folder

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue in Word where Save as PDF can place generated PDFs in a Windows temporary cache folder instead of the location selected by the user.

The problem primarily affects documents opened from network locations.

Word may save PDFs with random filenames

Instead of appearing in the expected folder, affected PDFs may end up under:

C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.MSO

Word can also give the PDF a random filename rather than using the name of the original document.

This means users who cannot find a recently exported PDF may still be able to locate it inside the Content.MSO cache folder.

Microsoft 365 Version 2609 appears affected

Users have reported the problem with Microsoft 365 Version 2609, including Build 16.0.20430.20032 on the Current Channel (Preview).

Microsoft has acknowledged the problem, but the available information does not indicate that a permanent fix has arrived yet.

Print to PDF still works

For now, users report that Print to PDF continues to work normally, making it a straightforward alternative to Word’s Save as PDF option.

Another reported workaround involves rolling Microsoft 365 back to Version 2608, Build 20326.20072. At least one affected user said the rollback restored normal PDF saving.

Microsoft recommends checking for a newer Office build before rolling back, since a newer release may already contain changes related to the problem.

In other Microsoft 365 news, Microsoft is bringing Grok into Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Microsoft has also rolled out Claude Opus 5.5 and GPT-6 Sol to Copilot.

Separately, Microsoft paused KB5002907 after the Office update caused installation and licensing problems.

Via Neowin