Office Settings & Configuration

Fix Word Online Font Reverting to Aptos 12 in SharePoint

Nimra Malik Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The font in Word Online automatically reverts to the default Aptos 12 point when pressing Enter, despite the document being initially formatted in another font like Arial 10 point.

How to Fix Word Online Font Reverting to Aptos 12 in SharePoint

Product: Word Online
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Editing an existing SharePoint document using the Word Online web interface.
Observed behavior: When the user presses Enter to start a new paragraph, the font styling drops its current format (e.g., Arial 10) and switches back to the default Aptos 12 point.

Before you start

Ensure you are logged into your Microsoft 365 account with editing permissions for the SharePoint document. Keep in mind that Word Online operates with a simplified feature set compared to the full desktop application.

Solution 1Recommended

Create and Apply a Reusable Style in Word Online

Since Word Online lacks a global default font setting, updating the document styles is the most effective way to maintain consistent formatting across your paragraphs.

Microsoft recently updated the default Office font to Aptos. Word Online currently does not provide a global setting to permanently change this default font for all web sessions. To prevent the font from reverting when you press Enter, you should format the text using the Styles feature rather than direct formatting.

Select your formatted text

Highlight a paragraph in your document that is already formatted with your preferred font, such as Arial 10 point.

Open the Styles pane

Navigate to the 'Home' tab on the Word Online ribbon and locate the 'Styles' gallery.

Update the Normal style

Right-click the 'Normal' style (or click the More options arrow) and choose the option to update the style to match your current selection. This ensures that every time you press Enter, the new paragraph inherits your Arial 10 point format instead of Aptos.

Create and Apply a Reusable Style in Word Online

Submit a Feature Request: If you wish to see a global default font option in Word Online, you can submit feedback directly to Microsoft by clicking Help > Feedback in the Word Online ribbon.

Solution 2

Set the Default Font via the Word Desktop App

Open the SharePoint document in the full Word desktop application, which allows you to change the underlying document template's default font.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Complete Formatting Control

If Word Online's restricted settings and default font resets are disrupting your workflow, WPS Office provides a powerful, lightweight alternative. Enjoy a full-featured desktop editing experience with global settings that stay exactly how you configure them.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free suite and install it on your computer.
2. Open your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your downloaded SharePoint document or create a new blank document.
3. Set Default Font Globally: Press Ctrl + D to open the Font menu, select your preferred font (e.g., Arial 10 pt), and click the 'Default' button to apply this permanently to all future documents.

Easily set and lock global default fonts without unexpected resets.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx), Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Lightweight and fast, offering seamless editing on both desktop and mobile.Familiar, intuitive user interface requires zero learning curve.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Microsoft Word change my font to Aptos?

Microsoft recently rolled out a global update replacing Calibri with Aptos as the new default font across the entire Microsoft 365 suite, including Word Online. This change affects new documents and default style behaviors.

Can I globally change the default font in Word Online?

Currently, Word Online lacks a settings menu to globally change the default font for all web sessions. You must adjust the default font using the desktop version of Word or use customized styles within individual documents.

How do I stop SharePoint documents from losing formatting?

SharePoint relies on the formatting rules of the editor being used. To stop fonts from changing, ensure you modify the 'Normal' style within the document to your preferred font, rather than just highlighting and changing the text manually.

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