'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Find and Move Word Macros from Windows 10 to Windows 11
Question details
The user needs to transfer custom Word keyboard shortcuts and recorded macros from an old Windows 10 computer or backup drive to a new Windows 11 computer.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows 10, Windows 11
- Scenario
- Migrating personalized Word settings, styles, shortcuts, and macros to a newly upgraded or purchased Windows 11 PC.
- Observed behavior
- Custom Word keyboard shortcuts and recorded macros do not automatically appear on the new Windows 11 installation because they remain in the old system's template file.
Ensure that Microsoft Word is completely closed on your new Windows 11 computer before attempting to replace any system template files, as open background processes can prevent the file from being overwritten.
Manually Transfer the Normal.dotm Template File
Since custom macros and shortcuts are typically stored in the Normal.dotm template, manually copying this file from your backup to your new PC will restore your custom settings.
Recorded macros are commonly stored in a VBA module named NewMacros, which resides inside the default Normal.dotm template. Replacing this file on your new PC seamlessly transfers your old configurations.
Open File Explorer on your Windows 10 backup drive. Go to the 'View' tab at the top, click 'Show', and ensure 'Hidden items' is checked so you can access the normally hidden AppData folder.
Navigate to the path: Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates on your old computer or backup drive. Locate the file named Normal.dotm.
Copy the Normal.dotm file to a USB flash drive or a cloud storage folder. Avoid opening or editing the file directly from the backup drive.
On your new Windows 11 PC, close Word. Navigate to the same Templates directory (Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates) and paste the copied Normal.dotm file, opting to replace the existing file when prompted.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Document and Macro Support
Looking for a lightweight, cost-effective alternative to Microsoft Office for your new Windows 11 PC? WPS Office provides excellent compatibility with Word documents and familiar user interfaces, ensuring a smooth transition with robust document management.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the 'Download' button to get the free installer.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded executable file on your Windows 11 PC and follow the on-screen installation prompts.
- 3. Open your documents: Launch WPS Writer to seamlessly open and edit your existing Word documents with intact formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I find the AppData folder in Windows Explorer?
The AppData folder is hidden by default in Windows to protect system files. To reveal it in Windows 11, click 'View' in the File Explorer menu bar, hover over 'Show', and select 'Hidden items'.
Can I transfer only specific macros instead of the entire Normal.dotm file?
Yes, you can use the Organizer tool in Word. Open Word, go to the Developer tab, click 'Macros', select 'Organizer', and selectively copy specific macro modules (such as NewMacros) from your backup template into your current Normal.dotm file.
Will moving Normal.dotm also restore my custom styles and AutoText?
Yes, the Normal.dotm template serves as the global blueprint for Word. Copying it over will bring back your default styles, AutoText entries, and custom keyboard shortcuts alongside your recorded macros.
What should I do if Word crashes after replacing the Normal.dotm template?
If Word fails to load or behaves erratically, navigate back to the Templates folder and delete the Normal.dotm file you copied. When you restart Word, it will automatically generate a fresh, stable default template.
