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How to Restore a Word Normal Template and Recover Lost Macros
Question details
The user needs to restore the correct Normal.dotm template file in Word to recover missing macros and AutoCorrect entries after a system or software update.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Recovering customized Word settings, VBA macros, and AutoCorrect entries that were lost after a Word update and restart.
- Observed behavior
- Word loaded a default or older Normal template, causing previously saved macros, styles, and AutoCorrect entries to disappear from the application.
Before making any changes to your template files, ensure that Microsoft Word is completely closed so the files are not locked or overwritten during the process.
Restore the Normal Template from the AppData Folder
Locate and rename the automatic template backups created by Word to restore your lost macros and AutoCorrect entries.
Microsoft Word often creates backups of your Normal template during updates. By accessing the hidden AppData folder, you can find these backups and rename them to replace the current empty template.
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Type %appdata%\Microsoft\Templates and press Enter to open the folder where Word stores its templates.
Locate the file named Normal.dotm. Right-click on it and rename it to Normal.bak or Normal_old.dotm to keep it as a backup just in case.
Look for older template files in the same folder that might contain your macros, such as OldNormal.dotm or Normal.old.
Right-click the older template file (e.g., OldNormal.dotm) and rename it exactly to Normal.dotm.
Launch Microsoft Word again. Your custom macros, AutoText, and AutoCorrect entries should now be restored.
Verify the User Templates Path in Word Options
Ensure Word is looking for the Normal template in the correct directory if the folder path was inadvertently changed.
Try WPS Office for a Reliable and Lightweight Word Processor
Tired of losing your customizations and macros after heavy updates? WPS Writer offers a highly stable, lightweight, and free alternative to Microsoft Word. It provides a familiar user interface, seamless format compatibility, and robust customization options without the hassle of unexpected template resets.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installer for your device.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your computer.
- 3. Open Your Word Documents: Launch WPS Writer and seamlessly open your existing .docx and .doc files without losing formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Word macros disappear after an update?
Updates can sometimes cause Microsoft Word to generate a new default Normal.dotm template or redirect the template folder path, leaving your custom macros, AutoCorrect entries, and styles behind in the older template file.
Where is the Normal.dotm template stored in Windows?
By default, the Normal.dotm file is stored in the hidden AppData folder at %appdata%\Microsoft\Templates. You can paste this exact path into the Windows File Explorer address bar or the Run dialog to access it quickly.
Are AutoCorrect entries and AutoText stored in the Normal template?
Yes, by default, Word stores many application-level customizations, including VBA macros, AutoText, formatted AutoCorrect entries, and custom styles, directly within the Normal.dotm template file.
Can I recover my macros if I accidentally deleted Normal.dotm?
If you deleted it, you might find a backup named OldNormal.dotm or Normal.old in the same Templates folder. Alternatively, you can check the Windows Recycle Bin to restore the original deleted file.
