Word documents will be saved to the cloud automatically on Windows going forward

While I am not fan of this, remember that most people that dislike Microsoft are using Google Office cloud only products.

Who cares?

When did Google offer an non-cloud installable app and changed it to upload to the cloud?

Because usually everyone that throws stones forgets about their own roofs.

I bet all those cool SV people "we're better than Microsoft" aren't using Libre Office on a GNU/Linux system.

Maybe it is time for some donations?

Source: pulled out of thin air

To each its own.

There are two choices:

Local First stalwart that has some legacy || Cloud first "new kid" but you surrender your files.

The issue is, first: they changed the deal. Change by default is bad. People need to learn this because honestly it's an important lesson. Change is inherently bad, so if you're going to change: have a stonking good reason.

Second: Now the drawbacks of the second "hip" alternative is included the same drawbacks of the first. So, now, Google Office is a strictly superior offering.

Congratulations, I guess?

Yes, more people should use libreoffice, but most people are concerned with compatibility, a sunk cost on their office skills and it's pretty bad UX.

We have an enterprise contact with Google with data privacy terms and controls on what happens with that data. I mean, Google will even sign a HIPAA BAA with you if you ask them to.

We don’t have one for the 3 people in the company to need to use Word on occasion.

This happens so much in the opposite direction.

Folks seem to not understand that Microsoft is an ad company.