I had the same issue as you, and couldn't find up-to-date help. For anyone who has the same issue, here's what I did. I figured out 2 solutions to the problem: the 1st solution is by going into the Word preferences, and searching "template". Click on the option that says "prompt to save normal template", and then clear the box where it has that option. When I did that, it was already unchecked, so I used this second solution instead. Solution 2: Click on "file locations" in the word preferences. Then, there should be a list of things, starting with "clipart" and ending with startup". Click ONCE on the first option, and then click reset. Do this for every row, and then you are done.

I'm glad this made you feel better. Thank you for contributing. I would not recommend either procedure you mention to anyone else, though.

This question was originally about the Windows version of Word and potential interference by the program MalwareBytes, neither of which seem to be involved in your situation. The information contained in Add-Ins in Microsoft Word is up to date as far as Word 2016 AFAIK. Some modification of steps would be required on a Mac system.

Turning off the prompt to save the normal template is the equivalent to taking the batteries out of your smoke detector because it keeps making an annoying noise. You want to know when changes are made, just as you want to know if there is smoke in your house.

Clearing or resetting your file locations should have no effect other than if you clear your startup location so that it no longer loads template add-ins. Starting without any Add-Ins is a recommended diagnostic for this problem, to see if one is causing the problem; it is not the solution. The solution, if it is an Add-In, is to find and disable the particular Add-In.