Office Settings & Configuration

Fix Microsoft Word Opening Blank Documents with High Numbers

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to understand why Microsoft Word opens blank documents with unusually high numbers (e.g., Document 91) and how to reset or resolve this behavior.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Launching Word or opening new blank documents where multiple unsaved temporary sessions have accumulated.
Observed behavior: Instead of opening as 'Document 1', Word displays high, sequential document numbers for new or blank documents, indicating uncleared temporary sessions.

Before you start

Ensure that you completely close all active Microsoft Word windows and save any open work before attempting to clear temporary files.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Temporary Template Files in AppData

Deleting leftover temporary owner files from the Microsoft Templates folder can remove stuck sessions and reset the document numbering sequence.

When Word crashes or sessions are left unsaved, temporary owner files (starting with ~$) can remain in your Templates folder. Clearing these files resets the temporary session count.

Close Microsoft Word

Make sure Microsoft Word is completely closed. You can verify this by checking your Task Manager for any lingering background Word processes.

Navigate to the Templates Folder

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Type '%AppData%\Microsoft\Templates' and press Enter.

Delete Temporary Owner Files

Look for hidden temporary files whose names begin with '~$'. Select these leftover files and delete them. Do not delete your actual template files.

Restart Word

Open Microsoft Word again. Your new blank document should now reset to a normal numbering sequence.

Hidden Files: If you do not see files starting with '~$', you may need to enable 'Show hidden files, folders, and drives' in your File Explorer View settings.

Solution 2

Verify File Paths in the Recent List

Checking your recent files helps determine if your saved documents are being correctly stored locally or on OneDrive, as opposed to temporary blank sessions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are temporary owner files (files starting with ~$) in Word?

They are hidden lock files created automatically by Word to track who is currently editing a document and to manage autosave recovery functions. They are usually deleted automatically when you close the document normally.

Why does my new Word document say 'Document 91'?

Unusually high numbers like Document 91 occur when multiple Word sessions are opened and closed without saving, or when hidden background processes of Word crash and fail to close properly, artificially inflating the active session count.

Will deleting files in the Templates folder delete my saved documents?

No, deleting the temporary files (those specifically starting with '~$' and ending in .tmp or .dotx) only removes session lock data, not your actual saved documents or your custom templates.

How can I stop Word from creating so many temporary background sessions?

Ensure you fully exit Word using File > Close rather than just minimizing the window. Additionally, regularly saving your files and restarting your computer can help clear out orphaned background processes.

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