How to Reset Microsoft Word to Default Settings?

Last Updated: Feb 13, 2024 by

Microsoft Word is a powerful word processing software that is used by millions of people around the world. It offers a wide range of features and customization options to make your documents look professional and polished. However, with so many options and settings, it’s easy to accidentally change something and not know how to revert it back to the default settings.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to reset Microsoft Word to its default settings and why it’s important to know how to do so.

Why Reset Microsoft Word to Default Settings?

There are a few reasons why you may want to reset Microsoft Word to its default settings:

  • You’ve made too many changes and want to start fresh
  • You’re experiencing issues with the program and want to troubleshoot
  • You’re using a shared computer and want to ensure everyone has the same settings
  • You’re new to Microsoft Word and want to familiarize yourself with the default settings

No matter the reason, knowing how to reset Microsoft Word to its default settings can save you time and frustration.

How to Reset Microsoft Word to Default Settings

Resetting Microsoft Word to its default settings is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps.

Step 1: Close Microsoft Word

Before you can reset Microsoft Word, you’ll need to close the program. Make sure to save any open documents before closing the program.

Step 2: Open the Run Command

To open the Run command, press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. This will open a small window where you can enter commands.

Step 3: Enter the Command

In the Run window, type in “winword /safe” and press Enter. This will open Microsoft Word in Safe Mode, which disables any add-ins or custom settings.

Step 4: Confirm the Reset

A pop-up window will appear asking if you want to reset Microsoft Word to its default settings. Click “Yes” to confirm.

Step 5: Restart Microsoft Word

After confirming the reset, Microsoft Word will close. You can then reopen the program to see the changes.

What Gets Reset?

When you reset Microsoft Word to its default settings, the following changes will occur:

  • All customizations to the Quick Access Toolbar will be removed
  • All customizations to the Ribbon will be removed
  • All customizations to the status bar will be removed
  • All customizations to the keyboard shortcuts will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoCorrect options will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoText entries will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoComplete options will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat As You Type options will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for bulleted and numbered lists will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for tables will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for hyperlinks will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for headings will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for borders and shading will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for text effects will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for tables of contents will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for captions will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for footnotes and endnotes will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for comments will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for fields will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for envelopes and labels will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for frames will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for Web and email formats will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for plain text will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for smart tags will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for XML will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for math autocorrect will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for building blocks will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for styles will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for themes will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document properties will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document protection will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document views will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document review will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document tracking will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document changes will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document versions will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document templates will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document macros will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document add-ins will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document security will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document compatibility will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document language will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document save options will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document proofing will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document advanced options will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document general options will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document save options will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document trust center options will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document add-ins will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document custom dictionaries will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be removed
  • All customizations to the AutoFormat options for document customizations will be
Gulrukh Ch

About the Author: Gulrukh Ch

Gulrukh Chaudhary, an accomplished digital marketer and technology writer with a passion for exploring the frontiers of innovation. Armed with a Master's degree in Information Technology, Gulrukh seamlessly blends her technical prowess with her creative flair, resulting in captivating insights into the world of emerging technologies. Discover more about her on her LinkedIn profile.