Template Issues

Fix Microsoft Word Building Blocks and AutoText Disappearing

Phi Hung Vo Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to permanently save Microsoft Word Building Blocks and AutoText entries so they do not disappear after restarting the application.

How to Fix Microsoft Word Building Blocks and AutoText Disappearing

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating and saving custom text snippets or building blocks for future use in documents.
Observed behavior: Building Blocks and AutoText entries work only on the day they are created and disappear the next day or after a computer restart.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary permissions to access Word's Startup folder, and verify that your organization's IT policies do not automatically reset your default templates overnight.

Solution 1Recommended

Create and Save to a Dedicated Global Template

Bypass issues with the Normal template being overwritten by saving your Building Blocks in a custom template loaded from the Startup folder.

By default, Word often saves Building Blocks to the Normal template, which organizations frequently overwrite or lock. Creating a dedicated template prevents your customized blocks from being erased.

Create a new custom template

Open a new blank document and save it as a Word Template (*.dotx or *.dotm) to your local drive. Avoid saving this file to OneDrive or SharePoint to prevent synchronization conflicts.

Save your selection to the Quick Part Gallery

Select the text or object you want to save. Go to the Insert tab, click 'Quick Parts', and select 'Save Selection to Quick Part Gallery'.

Assign the template

In the 'Create New Building Block' dialog box, change the 'Save in' dropdown menu from 'Normal' to the custom template you just created.

Move to the Startup folder

Close Word and move your custom template file into Word's Startup folder (typically located at %appdata%\Microsoft\Word\STARTUP). The template will now load automatically every time you open Word.

Create and Save to a Dedicated Global Template

Permanent Storage: Placing the template in the Startup folder ensures your AutoText and Building Blocks are always available without relying on the vulnerable Normal template.

Solution 2

Verify Organizational IT Policies

If you are using a company computer, IT policies may be forcibly overwriting your Normal template or locking the Startup folder.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Word Building Blocks and AutoText normally stored?

By default, Microsoft Word stores new Building Blocks and AutoText entries in the Normal.dotm template or the Building Blocks.dotx file located in your user AppData folder.

Why does my Normal template reset every day?

In many corporate environments, IT administrators use login scripts or group policies to replace the Normal.dotm template every time you start your computer to ensure a standardized formatting environment.

Can I store my Building Block template on OneDrive?

It is highly recommended to store your active Building Block and AutoText templates on a local drive rather than OneDrive or SharePoint, as cloud synchronization can cause loading conflicts when Word starts.

How do I find the Word Startup folder?

You can typically find the Word Startup folder by pressing Windows + R, typing '%appdata%\Microsoft\Word\STARTUP', and pressing Enter.

Document & File Issues