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Why is the Template Category Pane Missing in Word 2021?
Question details
The user is trying to find the template category pane to browse templates, but the feature is no longer visible in the new document interface.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 2021 LTSC Professional Plus
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Searching for and creating a new document from a template based on specific categories.
- Observed behavior
- The category pane and cross-application template suggestions are missing from the 'New' screen, leaving only a basic search field.
Verify your Microsoft Office version, as the user interface for finding templates differs significantly between older versions (like Office 2016/2019) and Office 2021 LTSC.
Use the Template Search Box in Word 2021
Since Microsoft removed the visual category pane to simplify the Word 2021 interface, you must rely on manual keyword searches to find relevant templates.
In Microsoft Word 2021 and newer versions, the user interface for creating new documents has been intentionally simplified. The dedicated category pane and cross-app suggested searches seen in Word 2016 and 2019 are no longer available. Instead, all template discovery is routed through a single search bar.
Launch Microsoft Word 2021. Click on 'File' in the top-left corner, then select 'New' from the left sidebar to access the template window.
Locate the search bar at the top center of the screen. Instead of clicking a category, type the name of the category you want to browse (for example, type 'Resume', 'Invoice', 'Flyer', or 'Report').
Press the 'Enter' key. Word will connect to Microsoft's online repository and display all available templates that match your keyword.
Use WPS Office for a Better Template Experience
If you are frustrated by the missing category pane in Word 2021, WPS Office offers a built-in, highly organized template gallery. You can visually browse thousands of templates for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations by clear categories without having to guess the right search terms.
- 1. Launch WPS Office: Open the WPS Office desktop application to access the main dashboard.
- 2. Open the Template Store: Click on the 'New' button or navigate to the 'Templates' section on the left sidebar.
- 3. Browse by Category: Use the visual category pane provided in the WPS interface to explore sections like 'Business', 'Education', 'Resumes', and 'Letters'.
- 4. Download and Edit: Click on any template that fits your needs and select 'Use Now' to instantly create and edit your new document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Microsoft remove the template category pane in Word 2021?
Microsoft redesigned the 'New Document' interface in Office LTSC 2021 and Microsoft 365 to offer a simpler, cleaner aesthetic. The visual category pane was replaced by a unified search bar to streamline the screen space.
How can I access my saved custom templates in Word 2021?
To find your custom or personal templates, open Word, click 'File' > 'New', and click on the 'Personal' or 'Custom' tab located just below the main template search box.
Can I restore the old template category pane in Office 2021?
No, it is not possible to restore the category pane through Word's settings. It is a permanent interface change for this specific version of Microsoft Office.
