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How to Restore the One-Column Default Layout in Microsoft Word
Question details
The user needs to restore the default document layout so that all new Microsoft Word files open with a single column instead of two.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating a new blank document in Microsoft Word.
- Observed behavior
- New Word documents unexpectedly open with a two-column layout because the default template was previously altered.
Before modifying your Word templates, ensure that all currently open Word documents and the Microsoft Word application itself are fully closed.
Reset the Default Template by Renaming Normal.dotm
Renaming the existing Normal template forces Word to generate a fresh, default template the next time it opens, resolving the two-column issue.
This method is highly recommended if you do not have any important custom macros, styles, or formatting saved in your default template. When you rename the file, Word treats it as missing and safely creates a brand new one with factory defaults.
Make sure Microsoft Word is completely closed. If any documents are open, the template file will be locked and cannot be renamed.
Open File Explorer and enter %appdata%\Microsoft\Templates in the address bar, then press Enter to access the hidden folder where templates are stored.
Locate the file named 'Normal.dotm' (or just 'Normal' if file extensions are hidden). Right-click it, select Rename, and change the name to 'Normal.old'.
Open Microsoft Word and create a new blank document. Word will automatically generate a new Normal.dotm file with the default one-column layout.
Edit the Existing Normal.dotm Template Manually
If you have custom macros or styles you want to keep, you can manually open and edit the Normal template to change the column layout back to one without losing your settings.
Experience Hassle-Free Document Creation with WPS Office
If you frequently encounter formatting or template issues in Microsoft Word, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and user-friendly alternative that supports all your standard document needs without complex template troubleshooting.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your device in minutes.
- 2. Create a New Document: Open WPS Writer to instantly create a perfectly formatted, single-column blank document.
- 3. Save and Share: Save your work in the standard .docx format to ensure seamless sharing with Microsoft Word users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my new Word documents suddenly have two columns?
This typically happens if the default global template (Normal.dotm) was accidentally overwritten or saved while a two-column layout was active in a previous document.
Will I lose my custom styles if I rename Normal.dotm?
Yes, renaming the Normal.dotm file will reset all global custom styles, macros, and formatting back to Microsoft's factory defaults. If you wish to keep these customizations, you should use the VBA method to edit the template instead.
Where is the Normal.dotm file located on my computer?
By default in Windows, the Normal template is located in a hidden AppData folder. You can find it by navigating to C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates in your File Explorer.
Can I copy my old macros to the new Normal template?
Yes. If you rename your old template to 'Normal.old', you can later use the Organizer tool in Microsoft Word to copy specific styles and macro projects from 'Normal.old' into the newly generated 'Normal.dotm' file.
