Formatting Issues

How to Fix Word Caption Numbers Changing from Hindi to Arabic

Amos Gikunda Sep 27, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user needs to fix an issue where document caption numbers automatically revert from Hindi numerals to Arabic numerals after reopening the file.

How to Fix Word Caption Numbers Changing from Hindi to Arabic

Product: Microsoft Word 2021
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Reopening a saved document that contains captions formatted with Hindi numerals.
Observed behavior: Caption numbers lose their Hindi numeral formatting and unexpectedly display as standard Arabic numerals when Word is restarted.

Before you start

Ensure you save a backup copy of your document before using the advanced Find and Replace tool, as global formatting changes can sometimes affect unintended areas if not configured correctly.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Advanced Find and Replace to Restore Formatting

Utilize Word's advanced Find and Replace functionality to target only caption digits and reapply the correct language format.

By searching specifically for digits within the 'Caption' style, you can reapply the correct language settings to your numbers without altering the rest of your document's text.

Open Find and Replace

Press Ctrl + H on your keyboard to open the Find and Replace dialog box, then click on 'More' to reveal advanced search options.

Configure the Find Parameters

In the 'Find what' field, type ^# to instruct Word to search for any digit. Keep your text cursor in this field, click the 'Format' button at the bottom, select 'Style', and choose 'Caption' from the list.

Set the Replacement Formatting

Click into the 'Replace with' field and leave it completely blank. Click the 'Format' button again, choose 'Language', and select 'Arabic' (or the specific language locale you are using for Hindi numerals).

Execute the Replacement

Click the 'Replace All' button. Word will find all digits formatted as captions and apply the correct language attribute, instantly restoring your Hindi numerals.

Use Advanced Find and Replace to Restore Formatting

Formatting Restored: This method acts as a reliable workaround for Word's restart glitch by quickly repairing the localized numeral formatting.

Solution 2

Adjust Global Numeral Settings

Change Word's advanced options to force the display of Hindi numerals or contextual numerals globally.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Avoid Formatting Glitches with WPS Office

Tired of dealing with persistent formatting bugs and unexpected changes when you reopen documents? Switch to WPS Office. It offers a highly compatible and stable word processing environment that respects your complex numeral and language formatting, keeping your documents exactly as you saved them.

1. Download and Install: Download the free WPS Office suite from the official website and run the installer.
2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word document. Your captions and complex numeral formats will display precisely.
3. Edit Seamlessly: Continue editing, saving, and reopening your files without worrying about formatting degradation.

Reliably handles complex script and numeral formatting without restart glitchesFully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formats and stylesLightweight architecture ensures fast load times and stable editingFree to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate user interface

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my Hindi caption numbers change to Arabic when I restart Word?

This is a known formatting glitch in Microsoft Word 2021 where specific styles, like Captions, can lose their localized language attributes upon restarting. When the language tag is dropped, Word falls back to the default Arabic numeral rendering.

What does the ^# code do in Word's Find and Replace?

The ^# code is a special wildcard character in Microsoft Word that represents any digit (0-9). It allows you to search exclusively for numbers without modifying the surrounding alphabetical text.

How can I make Word automatically detect when to use Hindi or Arabic numerals?

You can set Word to display numerals based on the keyboard language used to type the surrounding text. Go to File > Options > Advanced, scroll to 'Show document content', and set the 'Numeral' option to 'Context'.

Document & File Issues