How to Transfer Word Macros and Custom Keyboard Shortcuts to Another PC
Question details
The user needs to move their custom keyboard shortcuts and VBA macros from Word on one computer to another Microsoft 365 computer.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Setting up a new computer or reinstalling Office and wanting to retain customized workflows, shortcuts, and macros without recreating them.
- Observed behavior
- Custom shortcuts and macros are left behind on the old PC unless manually transferred, requiring the user to locate and migrate the default template or specific add-ins.
Ensure you have access to both your old and new computers, and close all active Microsoft Word windows on both devices before attempting to copy template files.
Transfer the Normal.dotm Template File
Since custom keyboard shortcuts and macros are typically saved in Word's default template (Normal.dotm), copying this file to the new PC is the most straightforward and effective method.
Microsoft Word stores most user customizations, including default macros, custom toolbars, and custom keyboard shortcuts, within a global template file called Normal.dotm. By replacing the new computer's default template with the old one, you instantly migrate these settings.
Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog. Type '%appdata%\Microsoft\Templates' and press Enter. This will open the folder containing your Word templates.
Find the file named 'Normal.dotm' (or simply 'Normal' if file extensions are hidden). Copy this file to a USB flash drive, external hard drive, or a cloud storage service like OneDrive or Google Drive.
On your new computer, ensure Word is completely closed. Press the Windows Key + R, type '%appdata%\Microsoft\Templates' again, and hit Enter.
Paste the copied 'Normal.dotm' file into this folder. If prompted by Windows, choose to replace the existing file in the destination. Open Word to verify your macros and shortcuts are available.
Use Word's Organizer to Copy Specific Macros
If you prefer not to overwrite the entire Normal template on the new PC, you can selectively transfer macros and custom styles using the Organizer tool.
Experience Seamless Document Editing with WPS Office
If managing complex template files and migrating Microsoft Office settings is proving cumbersome, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft 365, ensuring your macro-enabled workflows and daily document tasks remain uninterrupted.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free, lightweight installation package.
- 2. Install the Software: Follow the on-screen prompts to quickly set up the office suite on your new PC.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and seamlessly open your existing macro-enabled Word documents to continue your work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my macros disappear after reinstalling Word?
Macros are typically stored in the Normal.dotm template file. If a clean installation, a major Office update, or a profile reset created a new default template, your previous macros will not appear until you locate and restore the old Normal.dotm file from a backup or 'Windows.old' folder.
Can I transfer custom shortcuts without copying the entire Normal template?
No direct built-in tool selectively copies only keyboard shortcuts between templates in Word. To keep shortcuts portable, it is recommended to save them in a specific custom template (.dotx or .dotm) rather than the default Normal template, which you can then easily move to the 'STARTUP' folder of any new PC.
Will my transferred macros work immediately on the new PC?
They will work as long as the new PC has macros enabled in the Trust Center settings. You may need to go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Macro Settings to ensure 'Disable all macros with notification' is selected so you can approve them upon opening.
