By default, Microsoft Word will automatically save your document every 10 minutes in case something happens to the computer while working on a document. To change this setting, follow the steps below.
Jan 23, 2018 - Office for Mac 2016 gets an auto-save feature matching what Windows. The AutoSave widget displays at the top-left of the Word, Excel. To disable AutoSave for that specific file, or turn it back on for the same file later.
Microsoft Word 2010
Click File and then Options.
Click Save
Increase or decrease the AutoRecover option.
Microsoft Word 2007
Click the Office Button.
Click Word Options
Click Save
Increase or decrease the AutoRecover option.
Microsoft Word 2003 and 2000
Click Tools and then Options.
Click the Save tab.
In the 'Save AutoRecover info every xx minutes' section, increase or decrease the value.
Microsoft Word (macOS X edition)
In the Word menu click Preferences.
Increase or decrease the AutoRecover option.
Additional information
See the autosave definition for further information and related links.