Cannot save document back to SharePoint 2013 and 2016

In this post, we will solve “Cannot save document back to SharePoint 2013 and 2016” by exploring the following:

You might also like to read We’re having a problem opening this location in File Explorer, Add this web site to your Trusted sites list and try again

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Cannot save document back to SharePoint 2013 and 2016

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In SharePoint 2013 and 2016, when I tried to create a new document within a document library. I cannot save document back to SharePoint. it’s saved on the local PC, not saved directly on the SharePoint document library!

I did the following:

• I opened a document library.
• I clicked on a new word document. > Type data > Save.

As you can see, the “Save As dialog” asking for a save location that points to a local drive on my local computer! But it should be the path of parent SharePoint document library.

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Start WebClient Service on Windows Server

Steps

• Loign to Web-Front-End SharePoint Server.
• Press Ctrl+R and type Services.msc to open Windows Services.

• Try to search for “WebClient” service by pressing W.

Note: If the WebClient service was not listed, so you should install Desktop Experience for Windows Server 2012 or WebDav Redirector as mentioned  Missing WebClient Service on Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2016.

• Right Click on Service name > Select Properties.

• Beside Startup type, Set it to Automatic > Press Start Then OK.

• Reboot your server.

Note: Repeat the previous steps for each WFE SharePoint Server within the SharePoint farm.

• The document should be saved directly back to SharePoint document library.

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Adjust Excel Options to Save to SharePoint Document Library

In case, you have followed the above steps and still you cannot save document back to SharePoint, so you should adjust Excel Options to Save to SharePoint Document Library as mentioned below:

Check Offline editing options for document management server files

• Open Excel.
• From the file menu, click on Excel Options.
• From the left side, click on “Save”.
• Below “Offline editing options for document management server files” > check the web server.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, we have learned how to save document back to SharePoint by starting the WebClient Service on the Web SharePoint Server as well as Adjusting the Excel setting to avoid “Cannot save document back to SharePoint 2013 and 2016” issue.

Applies To

• SharePoint 2016.
• SharePoint 2013.
• SharePoint 2010.

You might also like to read

• Missing WebClient Service on Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2016.
• We’re having a problem opening this location in File Explorer, Add this web site to your Trusted sites list and try again.

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