Document Editing Problems

How to Stop Word from Automatically Updating Dates in Documents

Olivia Miller Sep 25, 2026 873 views

Question details

The user wants to prevent inserted dates in Word documents and templates from automatically changing to the current date whenever the file is opened.

How to Stop Microsoft Word from Automatically Updating Dates in Documents

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Inserting a date into a document or template that needs to remain as the original creation or insertion date.
Observed behavior: The date field in the Word document automatically updates to today's date every time the document is opened.

Before you start

Before modifying your document, determine whether you need to fix an existing document whose date has already updated, or if you are setting up a new document where the date should remain static.

Solution 1Recommended

Insert Dates as Plain Text by Disabling Automatic Updates

The easiest way to prevent a date from changing is to insert it as static text rather than a dynamic field.

By default, Word may insert dates as a dynamic field if the automatic update option is checked. Disabling this ensures the text remains exactly as it was on the day it was inserted.

Open Date and Time Settings

Navigate to the Insert tab on the Word ribbon and click on the 'Date & Time' button in the Text group.

Select Date Format

In the Date and Time dialog box, select your preferred date format from the available list.

Disable Update Automatically

Uncheck the box located at the bottom right corner that says 'Update automatically', then click OK to insert the static date.

Insert Dates as Plain Text by Disabling Automatic Updates

Permanent Date: Once inserted this way, the date becomes normal text and will never change when the document is reopened or printed.

Solution 2

Use the CREATEDATE Field for Templates and Existing Documents

For document templates or existing files with updated dates, replacing the standard DATE field with a CREATEDATE field forces Word to display the original file creation date.

Solution 3

Check Original File Properties in File Explorer

If you just need to know the original date of a document that has already automatically updated its displayed date.

Manage Document Dates Easily

Seamlessly Manage Static and Dynamic Dates in WPS Writer

WPS Office provides a highly intuitive Writer application that makes inserting static dates and managing field codes incredibly straightforward, preventing unwanted automatic updates while ensuring full Microsoft Word compatibility.

1. Download and Open WPS Office: Download WPS Office for free and open your document using the WPS Writer application.
2. Access Date Settings: Go to the Insert tab on the top ribbon and click on 'Date and Time'.
3. Choose Format: Select the format you wish to use for your date from the dialog box.
4. Insert as Static Text: Ensure the 'Update automatically' checkbox is unchecked and click OK. The date will be inserted permanently.

Insert static dates quickly without hidden field codesFully compatible with Microsoft Word .docx formatsEasily toggle and manage advanced field codes like CREATEDATEFree and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my document date change when I try to print it?

If your Word settings have the 'Update fields before printing' option enabled, any dynamic DATE field will automatically update to the current date just before the document is sent to the printer. Using a static text date or a CREATEDATE field prevents this.

Can I recover the original date if the document already updated and saved?

Yes. By pressing Alt + F9 and changing the { DATE } field code to { CREATEDATE }, Word will retrieve the document's original creation date from the file properties, as long as the document wasn't created by using 'Save As' on a different day.

How do I ensure templates keep the correct date for new documents?

When building a document template (.dotx), do not use a standard DATE field. Instead, insert a CREATEDATE field. Whenever a user generates a new document from that template, the CREATEDATE field will lock in the exact date that specific new document was created.

Document & File Issues