Microsoft raises alert: copying and saving files in Windows 10 and Windows 11 pose intermittent failures

Microsoft has recently acknowledged an issue impacting certain 32-bit applications when it comes to saving and copying files across various versions of the Windows operating system. The problem primarily arises during file transfers to network shares, particularly on Windows 11 21H2 and 22H2 (after installing KB5023774 or later updates) or Windows 10 21H2 and 22H2 (after installing KB5023773 or newer updates).

The intermittent nature of this issue means that only apps that are both large address aware and utilize the CopyFile API are affected. Microsoft has clarified that Windows devices are more susceptible to this problem when using certain commercial or enterprise security software that employs extended file attributes.

The issue does not impact the file-copying functionality of File Explorer itself. Instead, it affects the CopyFile API, which is utilized by specific applications. Microsoft has identified Microsoft Office apps such as Word and Excel as potentially being susceptible to this problem, but only when using 32-bit versions. Users may encounter “Document not saved” error messages as a result.

It is worth mentioning that this known issue is unlikely to be encountered by consumers using Windows devices in personal or non-managed commercial settings. The problem primarily affects enterprise-managed devices that utilize specific software and configurations.

While Microsoft has addressed the file copying and saving failures on Windows 10 and Windows 11 21H2, the latest Windows 11 release, version 22H2, is still awaiting a fix. However, Microsoft advises affected customers to employ a temporary workaround by attempting to save or copy the files again until an official solution becomes available. The availability of a workaround and a solution for other affected versions offer some relief to users and administrators dealing with these file transfer and saving failures.