

The file you refer to is a temporary file which serves a number of purposes.

SuperUser contributors Matthew Williams and Frank Thomas have the answer for us. Why does Microsoft Word create a second copy? And what is up with the “~$” in the secondary file’s name? The Answer

Why does Microsoft Word create another copy of the same file, but hidden, while in use? And why does the file created while a document is open always have “~$” replacing the first 2 letters of the file name? SuperUser reader JBurnham wants to know why Microsoft Word creates two copies while in use:
