Fix Word Macros Stopped Working After Microsoft 365 Update
Question details
User needs to fix VBA macros stored in the Normal.dotm template that are no longer applying text formatting after a recent software update.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Running custom formatting macros on documents after installing an update
- Observed behavior
- Macros stored in the Normal.dotm template fail to execute properly or apply the programmed font and paragraph formatting.
Verify that macros are still enabled in your application's Trust Center settings, as major software updates can sometimes reset security permissions.
Use a Dedicated Global Template (.dotm)
Store your reusable macros in a separate macro-enabled template in the Startup folder instead of relying on Normal.dotm.
Microsoft 365 updates can occasionally overwrite, reset, or create a fresh Normal.dotm template. Storing your macros in a separate, dedicated global template prevents them from being lost or broken during these system updates.
Open a new blank document, click 'File' > 'Save As', and choose 'Word Macro-Enabled Template (*.dotm)' as the file type. Give it a recognizable name like 'MyFormattingMacros.dotm'.
Press Alt + F11 to open the VBA Editor. In the Project Explorer pane, locate your macros in the Normal project and drag or copy the modules into your newly created .dotm project.
Open File Explorer and navigate to the Word Startup folder. By default, this is usually located at C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Word\STARTUP.
Move your new .dotm file into the STARTUP folder. Restart Word, and your macros will automatically load as a persistent add-in.
Replace Formatting Macros with Word Styles
Use native Word Styles assigned to keyboard shortcuts for formatting tasks instead of VBA macros.
Avoid Update Breakages with WPS Office
Tired of Microsoft 365 updates breaking your carefully crafted macros? WPS Office provides a highly stable, lightweight alternative with robust built-in support for VBA macros and Word document formats.
- 1. Download and install: Get the free WPS Office installer from the official website and complete the quick installation process.
- 2. Open your macro-enabled files: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .dotm or .docm files containing your macros.
- 3. Enable macros and run: Click 'Enable Macros' on the security prompt to start using your custom formatting tools immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Word macros disappear after updating Microsoft 365?
Major Microsoft updates sometimes generate a fresh Normal.dotm template, which acts as the default container for macros. Your original file may have been renamed to Normal.dotm.bak or NormalOld.dotm, making your macros temporarily inaccessible.
Where is the Word Startup folder located on Windows?
By default, the Startup folder is located at C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Word\STARTUP. Any template (.dotm) placed in this folder loads automatically as an add-in when Word starts.
Are VBA macros supported if I switch to WPS Office?
Yes, WPS Office offers excellent VBA support. You can open your existing macro-enabled Microsoft Word files (.docm, .dotm) directly in WPS Writer and execute your VBA code without needing to rewrite it.
