How to reset Microsoft Word back to Default

Microsoft Word is a very important skill to have in the work force. Knowing how to troubleshoot it is even more important. Add-ons, changes to settings, corruptions happen and knowing how to reset word back to its defaults is a great way to start back at square one with a clean slate. In this guide, we'll show you how to easily reset word back to its defaults like it was just installed - without going through the hassle of doing a full re-installation of the office suite.

Some reason you might need to reset word back to its default state is if you've

• Add-ins aren't working as they're supposed to.

• Files become corrupted.

• You don't remember what settings you've changed.

• Features stop working.

  
  

In order to reset Microsoft Word back to its default state you follow the following directions. It's important to back up your registry before you make any changes.

1. On your Keyboard Press the Windows Button then type RegEdit. Make sure you open it in Administrator Mode.

   
   

2. Navigate to the following location in the Windows Registry:

   Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Word

3. Delete the entire Word key - (the folder on the left side of the screen we just browsed to)
   

   you'll be prompted to confirm the deletion - select Yes.

   
   

4. Close the Editor and Restart your computer.

   
   

5. Reopen Microsoft Word and the defaults should be restored.

If you need additional help, check out the video here!