Word Bug Saves PDFs to Hidden Folder Instead of SharePoint

Microsoft has confirmed that its Word for Windows application is saving PDF files to a hidden local folder instead of SharePoint Online in version 2609. The issue, which affects Microsoft 365 for Windows version 2609, build 16.0.20430.x, occurs when users try to store PDFs in SharePoint using the Save or Save As function.

The problem is that Word shows no error message when this happens, and colleagues who open the SharePoint folder later will find nothing there. The affected PDF files are instead written to C:\ Users [username]\\AppData\\Local\\Microsoft\\Windows\\INetCache\\Content.MSO with a randomized file name.

One affected user reported that their PDFs were saved as 1f10f000 and 458d72b7, making it difficult to search for them. Microsoft has listed the issue status as 'Workaround', indicating that no fix is available yet.

Users can recover lost PDFs by checking the cache folder and renaming the correct files. They can then move these files to their intended location in SharePoint. Microsoft's official workaround is to save PDFs to an alternative location or use the Export option instead of Save As.