💡 Microsoft is quietly changing where your Word documents are saved.
With the new OneDrive AutoSave feature, Word files will soon be automatically stored in the cloud by default — even if you never chose to save them there.
For law firms, patent attorneys, and legal departments, this update has serious implications for data protection, confidentiality, and client privacy.
1. What Exactly Is Changing?
Until now, when you created or saved a new document in Microsoft Word, you could decide whether it was stored locally or in the cloud (OneDrive).
But Microsoft has quietly updated the default save behavior:
- New documents will now automatically save to OneDrive.
- The local “This PC” option is no longer the default.
- Even existing users might be affected without realizing it.
This change is being rolled out gradually across Microsoft 365 (Office) accounts worldwide.
2. Why This Is a Problem for Law Firms
For most users, cloud backup sounds convenient — but for law firms and other legal professionals, it’s a data protection minefield.
Every document saved to OneDrive is technically transferred to Microsoft’s servers, where it may be subject to foreign data access laws (like the U.S. CLOUD Act).
This creates major challenges regarding:
- Attorney-client privilege
- Confidential case data
- Compliance with the GDPR (DSGVO)
Once data leaves local systems and enters the cloud, it can be difficult — or impossible — to maintain full digital sovereignty.
3. How the AutoSave Feature Works
The new AutoSave function continuously saves your work in real time to OneDrive, preventing data loss in case of crashes or power failures.
However, it also removes local control — files may be uploaded instantly, even if still in draft form.
In sensitive environments, this can lead to:
- Premature cloud synchronization of confidential drafts
- Unintended sharing via cloud permissions
- Cross-border data transfer without explicit consent
4. Microsoft’s Perspective
From Microsoft’s point of view, this is a step toward greater convenience and security for the average user.
AutoSave reduces file loss and ensures version control through OneDrive’s cloud sync.
But this one-size-fits-all approach fails to account for industries where confidentiality and compliance are non-negotiable — like the legal sector.
5. Legal Risks for Law Firms
- Storing case-related documents in the cloud can violate:
Professional secrecy (§ 43a Abs. 2 BRAO / § 203 StGB)
Client data protection obligations
GDPR Articles 6 and 32 (data processing and security)
In the worst-case scenario, this could expose both the law firm and its clients to legal consequences.
That’s why many IT compliance experts recommend keeping critical legal data in on-premise environments.
6. Secure Alternatives — Staying in Control with Genese Solutions
To maintain digital sovereignty and full data protection compliance, on-premise systems remain the gold standard.
Solutions like:
- Genese IP
- GWeb Workspace
- Genese EWS
…offer locally hosted, privacy-first infrastructure specifically designed for the legal and patent industry.
These systems ensure that:
- Documents never leave your local servers
- No data is processed outside the EU
- You retain complete control over storage, access, and backups
7. Conclusion — Convenience vs. Compliance
Microsoft’s AutoSave update highlights a fundamental tension between usability and responsibility.
While cloud storage is ideal for collaboration and accessibility, law firms and legal professionals cannot afford to compromise on confidentiality.
Organizations must now reassess their document management policies and train employees to avoid automatic cloud uploads that could breach compliance rules.
🧠 Expert Insight
“Digital sovereignty means knowing where your data is, who has access to it, and how it’s protected.
AutoSave makes that harder — but not impossible — if you choose the right infrastructure.”
— Oliver Otto, Managing Director, Genese.de GmbH
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