When navigating Word and Excel, default settings streamline productivity. But sometimes, you may inadvertently alter these settings irreversibly. This article provides a detailed guide on how to Restore Default Settings in Word and Excel, guiding you to revert MS Office to its initial defaults.
There are 2 methods to reset MS Office to its default settings:
- Utilize the Registry Editor
- Utilize Microsoft's support tool.
1. Use Registry Editor
Step 1: Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R -> type regedit -> press OK:

Step 2: The
- Word, Excel 2013: folder 15.0
- Word, Excel 2010: folder 14.0
- Word, Excel 2007: folder 12.0
- Word, Excel 2003: folder 11.0
Here, for Word, Excel 2013, it's advisable to select folder 15.0

Step 3: Right-click on folder 15.0 -> Delete thus, you'll erase current settings and restore Word, Excel to their default configurations:

2. Utilize Microsoft's recovery software
Microsoft offers tools to help you bring Word, Excel back to their default settings. Tailored for various versions of Windows.
Step 1: Click on the link below to download the software to your computer. Depending on the operating system, Windows has different versions:
For Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows Vista: http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9763243
For Windows 8, Windows 10: http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9763243
Step 2: After downloading the appropriate software version, open the software -> click Run.
Note: While running the software, ensure to close all Word, Excel files to prevent potential errors.

Step 3: The dialog box appears, check the box for I Agree -> Next:

Step 4: The process of removing current settings is automatically handled -> upon successful completion, click close:

Here's the detailed guide on how to restore default settings in Word, Excel. Wishing you success!