Why doesn't Microsoft Word automatically save drafts, like Google Docs?

hello & asalamo-aliakum all,

it can save drafts with the name of recently closed items/files.when word file is closed down due to sudden crash , power outage you can open the2010 word click file and than click info there you will find the "recently closed unsaved item/file" but it will show you the most recent unsaved files like3-4 files.I hope i was useful, may Allah gives us all, the opportunity to be useful.Regards

It does save the documents. You have to turn on the feature from options in MS-Word2003; and other commands in MS-Word2007+.

It also gives option for backup document and time within to save.

it save but it depend on how u close it last time

MS Office products does saves files automatically after15 minutes. However, you have the liberty to change the timing to suits your individual requirements.