How to Prevent Word from Copying Templates to Default Folder
Question details
Stop Word from duplicating a macro-enabled template from a removable drive into the default system Templates folder.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Using a macro-enabled template directly from a removable USB drive or external storage.
- Observed behavior
- Word automatically copies the template to the default local Templates folder and attaches newly created documents to the copied version instead of the original on the removable drive.
Before modifying default template settings, ensure you know the current file paths for your templates and verify that your removable storage device is securely connected.
Change the Personal or User Templates Location
Modify Word's default save options to point to a different folder instead of restricting permissions on the default Templates directory.
By default, Word may copy templates from removable media to ensure they remain available when the drive is disconnected. Instead of changing Windows folder permissions (which breaks the Normal template), you can safely redirect where Word looks for and saves user templates.
Launch Microsoft Word, click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner, and select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.
In the Word Options dialog box, click on 'Save' in the left-hand pane. Locate the 'Default personal templates location' field and enter your preferred folder path.
If changing the personal templates location does not resolve the issue, click on 'Advanced' in the left pane. Scroll down to the 'General' section and click the 'File Locations...' button. Select 'User templates' and click 'Modify' to change the path.
If your template contains macros, ensure the new folder location is trusted. Go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Trusted Locations, and add the new folder.
Manage Templates Easily with WPS Office
If you are tired of struggling with Microsoft Word's complex template management and macro security restrictions, try WPS Office. It provides a straightforward way to manage document templates, offers high compatibility with Microsoft Word files, and respects your chosen file locations without unexpected background copying.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office Free on your computer to get started.
- 2. Open Your Template: Launch WPS Writer, click 'Menu', and select 'Open' to browse directly to your removable storage.
- 3. Edit Seamlessly: Select your Word template. WPS will open the file directly from your drive without creating hidden copies in your system folders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word copy templates from my USB drive to the local disk?
Word often copies macro-enabled templates to the local default Templates folder (such as AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates) as a safety measure. This ensures the template and its macros remain accessible for attached documents even if the removable drive is disconnected.
Can I restrict folder permissions to stop Word from saving templates?
It is highly discouraged. Changing folder permissions on the default Templates directory can cause unwanted side effects, such as preventing Word from saving custom styles, macros, or changes to your default global template (Normal.dotm).
How do I trust a new template folder location for macros?
Go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Trusted Locations. Click 'Add new location', browse to your newly specified template folder, and check 'Subfolders of this location are also trusted' if necessary.
