How to Create a Word Document from a Custom Template in File Explorer
Question details
The user wants to select a custom template when creating a new Word document directly from the Windows File Explorer context menu.
- Product
- Microsoft Word / Windows File Explorer
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to create a new Word document from a specific custom template by right-clicking in a designated folder.
- Observed behavior
- The File Explorer context menu (New > Word Document) bypasses the template picker and instantly generates a standard blank document.
Verify that your custom templates (.dotx or .dotm) are correctly saved in the 'Custom Office Templates' folder in your Documents directory before attempting to generate new files.
Create the Document in Word and Save to Target Folder
Since File Explorer cannot display Word's built-in template picker, the most reliable method is to launch the document directly from Word and then save it to your desired folder.
Windows File Explorer is designed to generate standard blank files quickly without launching full application dialogs. To utilize custom templates, you must interact directly with the Word application interface.
Launch the Word application on your computer instead of starting from the File Explorer context menu.
Click on 'File' in the top-left corner, select 'New', and then click on the 'Personal' or 'Custom' tab to view your saved templates.
Click your desired template to generate the new document. Go to 'File' > 'Save As', browse to your target folder in File Explorer, and save the document.
Use an AutoNew Macro in a Custom Template
Advanced users can automate the setup process by utilizing a macro-enabled template (.dotm) that triggers specific actions upon document creation.
Use Custom Templates Seamlessly in WPS Office
If you frequently work with templates, WPS Office Writer offers an intuitive dashboard to manage, browse, and create documents from both custom and online templates efficiently.
- 1. Launch WPS Office: Open the WPS Office desktop client to access the main unified dashboard.
- 2. Navigate to Templates: Click on the 'New' button in the left sidebar, then select 'Writer' to view the template library.
- 3. Select and Create: Browse the categorized templates or click on 'Local Templates' to use your own custom file, then click to instantly create your document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add custom Word templates to the Windows right-click 'New' menu?
By default, Windows only supports creating a blank Normal.dotm document from the 'New > Word Document' context menu. Modifying this requires complex Registry edits, which only allow for one default file type and still do not provide a selection menu.
Where are custom Word templates saved on Windows?
Custom templates are typically saved in 'C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\Custom Office Templates'. You can access them in Word by navigating to File > New and clicking the Personal or Custom tab.
What is the difference between a .dotx and .dotm file?
A .dotx file is a standard Word template used for styling and layout, while a .dotm file is a macro-enabled template that can run VBA scripts (like an AutoNew macro) to automate tasks when a new document is created.
