Template Issues

How to Move Word Normal.dotm to a OneDrive-Synced Folder

WPS Content Manager Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to synchronize Microsoft Word settings across multiple computers by moving the default Normal.dotm template to a OneDrive-synced folder.

How to Move Word Normal.dotm to a OneDrive-Synced Folder

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Working on multiple computers and needing to keep custom Word templates, macros, and styles synchronized.
Observed behavior: By default, Microsoft Word saves the Normal.dotm template locally. The user needs to change this default location to a cloud-synced directory so the template is accessible on all connected devices.

Before you start

Ensure OneDrive is installed and actively syncing on your computer, and locate the original default path for your Word templates (typically C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates).

Solution 1Recommended

Change the User Templates Location in Word Settings

Modify Word's Advanced Options to point the User Templates folder to a local directory synchronized by OneDrive.

To synchronize your Microsoft Word settings across multiple PCs, you must manually change the location where Word looks for the Normal.dotm file. It is crucial to use a local folder that OneDrive syncs, rather than a cloud-only path, to prevent file locking and macro errors.

Access Word Options

Open Microsoft Word. Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the screen, and select 'Options' from the bottom of the left-hand menu.

Navigate to File Locations

In the Word Options dialog box, click on 'Advanced' in the left pane. Scroll down to the 'General' section and click the 'File Locations' button.

Modify the User Templates Path

Select 'User templates' from the list of file types and click 'Modify'. Browse your computer to select a folder that is actively synchronized by OneDrive, then click 'OK' to save the path.

Copy the Normal.dotm File

Close Microsoft Word completely. Open File Explorer, navigate to your original templates folder, and copy the 'Normal.dotm' file. Paste it into your newly configured OneDrive-synced folder.

Ensure Offline Availability

Open your OneDrive folder in File Explorer, right-click the 'Normal.dotm' file, and select 'Always keep on this device'. This ensures Word can access the template even if your internet connection drops.

Change the User Templates Location in Word Settings

Custom Templates Save Location: The default save location for your custom templates is configured separately. You can set this by going to File > Options > Save, and entering your OneDrive folder path under 'Default personal templates location'.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Normal.dotm template not saving changes after moving it to OneDrive?

If your Normal.dotm file is located in a cloud-only folder and lacks local offline availability, Word might fail to overwrite or update it. Ensure the file is set to 'Always keep on this device' in your OneDrive settings so it remains locally accessible.

What is the difference between Normal.dotm and Normal.dotx?

Normal.dotm is a macro-enabled template file used by Microsoft Word to store default settings, styles, and macros. Normal.dotx is a standard template format that does not support macros. Word requires the .dotm format for its default global template.

Will moving the Normal.dotm template affect my existing documents?

No, moving the Normal.dotm template only changes where Word looks for default styles and macros when creating new documents. Your existing documents will retain the formatting and styles they were originally created with.

Can multiple users share the same Normal.dotm file simultaneously via OneDrive?

While you can sync Normal.dotm across your own personal devices, sharing it with multiple different users simultaneously can cause sync conflicts, file corruption, and locking issues. It is recommended strictly for an individual user's cross-device synchronization.

Document & File Issues