To set a custom document as the default that opens when starting Word, modify the Normal.dotm template. Open Word, open %appdata%MicrosoftTemplatesNormal.dotm, customize it with your desired text/styles, save, and close it. Any new document will then open with this content.
Method 1: Modifying the Normal Template (Permanent Default)
This method ensures that every time you open Microsoft Word and select a blank document, it will contain your custom content.
- Open the Template File:
- Open Word and go to File > Open.
- Navigate to
C:Users[YourUsername]AppDataRoamingMicrosoftTemplates.
- Note: If AppData is hidden, type
%appdata%MicrosoftTemplates into the file explorer address bar.
- Open the file named Normal.dotm.
- Customize the Document:
- Add any text, logos, fonts, or styles you want to appear in every new document.
- Save and Close:
- Click Save (Ctrl+S) to update the template.
- Close Word completely.
- Result: The next time you open Word, it will use this modified template.
Method 2: Setting a Custom Default Location
If you want Word to open to a specific folder to choose a file, change the default working directory.
- Go to File > Options > Save.
- Under "Save documents", find Default local file location.
- Click Browse and choose the folder you want.
Reverting Changes
If you make a mistake, you can easily restore default settings:
- Navigate back to the
Templates folder (%appdata%MicrosoftTemplates) and delete or rename the Normal.dotm file.
- Word will automatically recreate a fresh, default Normal.dotm file the next time it opens.
How do i change my default MS word template?
To set a custom document as the default that opens when starting Word, modify the Normal.dotm template. Open Word, open %appdata%MicrosoftTemplatesNormal.dotm, customize it with your desired text/styles, save, and close it. Any new document will then open with this content.
Method 1: Modifying the Normal Template (Permanent Default)
This method ensures that every time you open Microsoft Word and select a blank document, it will contain your custom content.
- Open the Template File:
- Open Word and go to File > Open.
- Navigate to
C:Users[YourUsername]AppDataRoamingMicrosoftTemplates.
- Note: If AppData is hidden, type
%appdata%MicrosoftTemplates into the file explorer address bar.
- Open the file named Normal.dotm.
- Customize the Document:
- Add any text, logos, fonts, or styles you want to appear in every new document.
- Save and Close:
- Click Save (Ctrl+S) to update the template.
- Close Word completely.
- Result: The next time you open Word, it will use this modified template.
Method 2: Setting a Custom Default Location
If you want Word to open to a specific folder to choose a file, change the default working directory.
- Go to File > Options > Save.
- Under "Save documents", find Default local file location.
- Click Browse and choose the folder you want.
Reverting Changes
If you make a mistake, you can easily restore default settings:
- Navigate back to the
Templates folder (%appdata%MicrosoftTemplates) and delete or rename the Normal.dotm file.
- Word will automatically recreate a fresh, default Normal.dotm file the next time it opens.