Should I edit my Word document online or offline?

If you have Microsoft Office and OneDrive for Windows installed on your local computer, you actually have 3 options to edit your Word documents stored in OneDrive.

1. Edit Word documents with Word Online in a Web browser - The Word document will be opened in the browser. All changes are done in the browser and saved immediately to the OneDrive cloud storage.

The main advantage of editing Word documents in browsers is no need to have Microsoft Office or OneDrive for Windows installed. But editing functionalities are limited and performance is not very good.

Data communication is done by the Web browser using the HTTP protocol.

2. Edit Word documents with Word desktop - The Word document will be opened in the Word desktop app. All changes are saved immediately back to the OneDrive cloud storage.

The main advantage of editing Word documents online in Word desktop app is that you have the full functionalities of the Word desktop app. But you need to purchase Microsoft Word, install it and stay connected to the Internet.

Data communication is done by the Word desktop app using the Url:Word protocol.

3. Edit Word documents offline with Word desktop app and sync with the online copy later - The Word document will be transferred to the local OneDrive folder, then opened in the Word desktop app. All changes are saved to the local copy first, then synced with the online copy.

The main advantage of editing Word documents offline in Word desktop app is that you do not need to be connected to the Internet all the time. OneDrive for Windows will sync up with the online copy when you are connected later.

Data communication is done by the OneDrive for Windows.

⇒ What Is Microsoft Word Online App

⇐ Managing Word Documents

⇑ Managing Word Documents

⇑⇑ Microsoft 365 - Frequently Asked Questions