Formatting Issues

Fix Word Not Keeping Text Color and Font Size When Pasting

Nimra Malik Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where pasted text loses its original text color and font size.

How to Fix Word Not Keeping Text Color and Font Size When Pasting

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: Windows 11
Scenario: Copying and pasting formatted text between or within Word documents.
Observed behavior: Text color and font size change to the document's default formatting, even when the Keep Source Formatting option is actively selected.

Before you start

Make sure you have saved all of your active documents and completely closed Microsoft Word before modifying templates or settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable COM Add-ins

Third-party add-ins often conflict with Word's clipboard behavior, preventing the source formatting from carrying over.

COM add-ins integrate external software with Microsoft Word. Occasionally, these add-ins can malfunction and override your default paste settings, causing text colors and font sizes to reset.

Open Word Options

Launch Microsoft Word. Click on File in the top-left corner, and then select Options at the bottom of the left-hand menu.

Navigate to Add-ins

In the Word Options dialog box, click on Add-ins in the left sidebar.

Manage COM Add-ins

At the bottom of the window, locate the Manage dropdown menu. Select COM Add-ins and click the Go button.

Disable and Test

Uncheck all listed add-ins to disable them, then click OK. Restart Word and try copying and pasting your text again to see if the source formatting is maintained.

Identify the Culprit: If this resolves the issue, you can re-enable your add-ins one by one to identify exactly which program is causing the formatting conflict.

Solution 2

Rename the Default Document Template (Normal.dotm)

A corrupted Normal.dotm template can cause Word to forcefully apply default styles to pasted text.

Solution 3

Reset the Office Registry Configuration

If standard settings and template resets do not work, resetting the Office configuration from the Windows Registry can clear deeper systemic conflicts.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Flawless Document Formatting

If Microsoft Word continues to struggle with basic clipboard formatting, consider switching to WPS Office. It handles document formatting smoothly and prevents frustrating copy-and-paste errors.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for Windows.
2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx file. Your original formatting will remain intact.
3. Copy and Paste Seamlessly: Use standard Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V commands to easily move text while perfectly preserving colors and font sizes.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsSeamless copy-and-paste formatting retentionFree and lightweight alternative to Microsoft OfficeFamiliar user interface with no learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the 'Keep Source Formatting' option not working in Word?

This usually happens due to corrupted global templates (Normal.dotm), interference from third-party COM add-ins, or a damaged Windows Registry configuration for Microsoft Office.

How do I set 'Keep Source Formatting' as the default paste option?

Go to File > Options > Advanced. Scroll down to the 'Cut, copy, and paste' section. Change the dropdown menus for pasting within the same document and between documents to 'Keep Source Formatting', then click OK.

Is there a keyboard shortcut to force keep source formatting?

Yes. After pressing Ctrl+V to paste your text, you can immediately press the Ctrl key to open the Paste Options menu, and then press the 'K' key to enforce the Keep Source Formatting option.

Document & File Issues