How to Fix Excel AutoSave Button Missing?

Many users have reported that the AutoSave button is missing from Microsoft Office programs like Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. Version compatibility, unsupported file locations, disabled settings, outdated software, or issues with the Office installation could cause this issue.

First, check the version of Excel you are using, as AutoSave is available on Excel for Microsoft 365, Excel 2019, and Excel 2016 (with certain updates). Next, check the file type and ensure the file is stored in OneDrive, OneDrive for Business, or SharePoint Online.

How can I fix the Excel AutoSave button missing issue?

1. Check if AutoSave is enabled

1. Press the Windows key, type excel in the search bar, and click Open.
2. Go to File.
3. Click Options.
4. Click the Save section from the left pane on the Excel Options window.
5. Locate the Save AutoRecover information every—minute option, select it, and mention the time in minutes in the blank.
6. Locate and place a checkmark next to Keep the last AutoRecovered version if I close without saving box option. 
7. You can also place a checkmark next to the AutoSave files stored in the Cloud by default in Excel.
8. Click OK to save the changes.

2. Update the Excel app

1. Press the Windows key, type excel in the search bar, and click Open.
2. Go to File.
3. Click Account.
4. From the right pane, click Update options, and from the drop-down, click Update Now.

You can try updating the Excel app even when the AutoSave button doesn’t work; read this guide for other solutions.

Read more about this topic

• Apply Formula to Entire Column in Excel: 3 Ways to do it

3. Repair/reinstall the Microsoft Office

1. Press Windows + I to open the Windows Settings app.
2. Go to Apps, then click Installed apps.  
3. Locate Microsoft Office, click the three-dot icon, and select Modify.
4. Click Yes on the UAC prompt.
5. From the pop-up window, select Quick Repair and then click the Repair button to initiate the process.
6. If this doesn’t help, you can reopen the Installed apps list, locate Microsoft Office, click the three-dot icon, and choose Uninstall.
7. Click Uninstall again.
8. Visit Microsoft’s official website and sign in.
9. Go to Services and subscriptions, locate Microsoft Office, and click Install to get the latest app version.
10. Once the installer is downloaded, double-click it and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Reinstalling Microsoft Office can also fix other Office apps like Microsoft Excel not opening; check out this guide for other solutions.

This is how you can fix the AutoSave not working in Microsoft Excel issue; however, if you are dealing with corrupted files in Excel, we have a separate guide for you.

If you have any questions or suggestions about the Excel AutoSave button missing issue, feel free to mention them in the comments section below.