If this question has been answered elsewhere, please just direct me to it.


I recently started using Word 365 on a new laptop. My old standby was Word 2013 and Win7. I was in the habit of backing up my files to an external drive or other means rather than any "cloud" locations.


I now get messages telling me about on-line versions or "server versions" of files I'm working on in Word. What I desire is to have NO versions of my files sent anywhere in the cloud unless I specifically send them. I want my files to be kept in my laptop and any attached drives, and nowhere else.

• Is there a setting I can use to "turn off" any connection with "the cloud," "servers" and the like and return control of my documents to me alone?
• Or am I using the wrong version of Word?
• Or is there another way out of my dilemma?
• Am I correct in thinking that Word 365 is a "subscription" program? i.e., will I be prompted to "renew" sometime after a year has elapsed (hence "365)? It hasn't been a year yet.
• Or should I go back to WordPerfect? (semi-serious)

From an old guy who's been using various computers for at least 35 years
Rick Joslin