Buzz
After using Microsoft Word for multiple projects, you might find that the program no longer functions as smoothly as it did when first installed. Default settings for one or more features—such as fonts, toolbar placement, and auto-correct options—can change after accidental clicks or adjustments. Uninstalling and reinstalling Word won't resolve this, as these settings are stored on your computer. This article will guide you through restoring Microsoft Word's original interface and settings on both Windows and macOS.
Steps
Windows
Close Microsoft Word. You cannot reset the settings while the program is running.
- This method involves modifying the Windows registry, which can be complex. Before making any changes, it's highly recommended to back up the registry to restore information in case of issues.
Press ⊞ Win+E. This shortcut opens File Explorer. Alternatively, you can access File Explorer by selecting it from the Windows menu.
Enable the display of hidden files and folders in File Explorer. This step is essential to locate the folder you need to modify:
- Click on the View tab at the top of the File Explorer window.
- Select Options in the upper-right corner.
- Navigate to the View tab.
- Check the box for Show hidden files, folders, and drives under "Hidden files and folders" and click OK.
Navigate to the Users folder in File Explorer. To do this, click on the address bar at the top of File Explorer, type C:\Users\, and press Enter.
- If Windows is installed on a different drive, replace C with the appropriate drive letter.
Locate the Microsoft Templates folder. Follow these steps:
- Double-click on your user folder in the right pane.
- Double-click on the AppData folder (usually hidden).
- Double-click on the Roaming folder.
- Double-click on the Microsoft folder.
- Double-click on the Templates folder.
Rename the "Normal.dotm" file to Normal.old. This file contains Word's custom settings—renaming it forces Word to create a new file with default settings. Here's how:
- Right-click on Normal.dotm and select Rename.
- Replace the .dotm extension with .old
.
- Press Enter.
- Once done, return to View > Options > View and re-hide the hidden files and folders.
Press ⊞ Win+R. This key combination opens the Run window, where you can launch the database editing tool to modify remaining settings.
Type regedit and click OK. This action opens the database editing tool.
- You will need to click Yes to launch the editor.
Double-click on HKEY_CURRENT_USER. This option is located in the left pane of the database editor. You will see several other options.
Double-click on SOFTWARE. This folder is part of the series of folders displayed on the left side of the window. Additional folders will appear here.
Double-click on Microsoft in the left pane. The screen will immediately display additional folders.
Double-click on Office. The list will expand to show additional folders.
Double-click on the folder corresponding to your version of Word. The folder you open depends on the version of Word you are using:
- Word 365, 2019, and 2016: Double-click on the 16.0 folder.
- Word 2013: Double-click on the 15.0 folder.
- Word 2010: Double-click on the 14.0 folder.
- Word 2007: Double-click on the 12.0 folder.
- Word 2003: Double-click on the 11.0 folder.
Click once on the Word folder. Do not double-click—just a single click is needed to select it.
Press Del to delete the folder. When prompted for confirmation, click Yes.
- After completing these steps, close the database editor and File Explorer, then restart Microsoft Word. You can now use Word as if it were freshly installed.
macOS
Close Word and all Office programs. You need to move certain files, which cannot be done while Office applications are still running.
- This method is compatible with all recent versions of Word for macOS, including Word 2016, Word 2019, and Word 365.
Hold ⌥ Option while clicking on the Go menu. This option is located at the top of the screen. You will see a menu containing the Library folder (which is hidden unless you use the Option key).
Click on the Library folder. A list of files will immediately appear.
Double-click on the Group Containers folder. This folder is located within the Library. Additional files and folders will appear.
Double-click on the UBF8T346G9.Office folder. The screen will immediately display a list of additional folders and files.
Double-click on the User Content folder. Don't worry, you're almost done with the process!
Double-click on the Templates folder. This folder contains the file with Word's settings.
Rename the normal.dotm file. Follow these steps:
- Click on normal.dotm once to select it.
- Press the Return key.
- Remove the ".dotm" extension and replace it with .old.
- Press Return to save the new file name as normal.old.
Close Finder and restart Microsoft Word. When you relaunch Word, the program will automatically recreate the normal.dotm file, making it appear as if it's brand new.
Tips
- After making these changes, some settings can only be reset by completely reinstalling the program. For instance, the company name you entered during the initial Word installation is stored within the program's files.
- You cannot reset Microsoft Word while the program is running. This is because Word saves configuration information when you close the program. If you make changes while the program is active, shutting it down immediately afterward will overwrite the modified data.
- For additional tips and troubleshooting information, visit http://support.microsoft.com/kb/822005 (for Windows).
