How to Run Word Macros Stored in a DOTM Template
Question details
The user needs to access and execute a macro stored in a DOTM template, but the macro does not appear in the Word Macros dialog box.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to run a macro from an open DOTM template file on a standard DOCX document.
- Observed behavior
- The macro is invisible in the Macros list because Word restricts visible macros to the current document, the attached template, Normal.dotm, or globally loaded templates.
Ensure that your Trust Center settings permit macro execution and that you know the exact folder path where your target DOTM template is saved.
Place the DOTM File in the Word Startup Folder
Loading the template globally ensures its macros are available every time you open Word.
For a macro to be available universally, its template must be placed in Word's designated Startup folder. Templates in this folder are automatically loaded as global add-ins when the application launches.
Open File Explorer. Navigate to the View tab and check 'Hidden items'. For Windows 11, click View, go to Show, and select 'Hidden items'.
Go to the default Word Startup directory: C:\Users\[YourUserName]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Word\STARTUP.
Copy and paste your DOTM template file into the STARTUP folder.
Close all instances of Word and reopen the application. The macros stored in the DOTM file will now appear in your Macros dialog.
Load the DOTM Template Manually as an Add-in
Use this method if you lack administrator permissions to access or write to the system's Word Startup folder.
Load and Run Macro Templates in WPS Office
WPS Office provides advanced VBA macro support, making it simple to load global templates and run your automated tasks. You can seamlessly open and manage DOTM files within WPS Writer without struggling with complex folder permissions.
- 1. Launch WPS Writer: Open WPS Office and create a new document or open an existing file where you want to execute your macro.
- 2. Access the Developer Tab: Navigate to the Developer tab on the ribbon menu. If it is hidden, you can enable it from the WPS Office settings.
- 3. Load Your DOTM Template: Click on 'Templates' or 'Add-Ins', then click 'Add' to browse your system and select your DOTM file.
- 4. Run the Macro: Click on the 'Macros' button, select the desired macro from the populated list, and hit 'Run' to execute it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my DOTM macro not showing up in the Macros dialog?
Word only displays macros if they are stored in the active document (.docm), the document's explicitly attached template, the global Normal.dotm file, or a global template loaded via the Startup folder or Add-ins menu.
How do I find the hidden AppData folder in Windows?
Open File Explorer, go to the View tab, and check the box for 'Hidden items'. If you are using Windows 11, click View, go to Show, and select 'Hidden items' from the dropdown.
Can I run a macro if I do not have access to the Word Startup folder?
Yes. You can manually load your DOTM file by navigating to the Developer tab, selecting 'Word Add-ins', and browsing for your template file from any folder location you have permission to access.
