Office Settings & Configuration

How to Change Microsoft 365 Default Font from Aptos to Calibri

Kushani Nimanthika Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to restore Calibri as the default font in Microsoft 365 applications after an update automatically changed it to Aptos.

How to Change the Microsoft 365 Default Font from Aptos to Calibri

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Following the Microsoft 365 version 2312 update (released January 2024), the default Office theme font was globally updated to Aptos. The user prefers the previous default and wants to revert their settings.
Observed behavior: Newly created documents, spreadsheets, and emails in Microsoft 365 applications automatically use the Aptos font instead of the classic Calibri font.

Before you start

Verify that your Microsoft 365 applications are fully updated to version 2312 or later, as this specific version introduced the Aptos font replacement.

Solution 1Recommended

Revert the Default Font to Calibri in Microsoft Word

Modify the Normal template in Microsoft Word so that every new document automatically uses Calibri.

By changing the default font setting via the Font dialog box, you overwrite the base template instructions for all future documents created in Word.

Open Font Settings

Launch Microsoft Word and create a blank document. Navigate to the 'Home' tab, and click the small diagonal arrow icon in the bottom-right corner of the 'Font' group to open the Font dialog box.

Select Calibri

In the Font tab, scroll through the font list or type 'Calibri' to select it. Adjust the font style to 'Regular' and the size to '11' if you want the exact classic default.

Set as Default

Click the 'Set As Default' button at the bottom left of the dialog box. Choose the option 'All documents based on the Normal template' and click 'OK'.

Revert the Default Font to Calibri in Microsoft Word

Default Font Saved: All new blank documents in Word will now use Calibri automatically. Existing documents will remain unaffected.

Solution 2

Restore Calibri as the Default Font in Microsoft Outlook

Update the Stationery and Fonts settings in Outlook to ensure all new emails and replies use Calibri.

Solution 3

Change the Global Office Theme to Office 2013-2022

Restore the entire classic look, including fonts and color palettes, by reverting to the previous Office theme.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Take Control of Your Fonts with WPS Office

Frustrated by unexpected software updates changing your preferred settings? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly customizable alternative to Microsoft 365, giving you complete control over your workspace without forced theme changes.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to install the suite.
3. Customize Your Settings: Launch WPS Writer, navigate to your font settings, and permanently set your favorite font as the default with ease.

Seamless compatibility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Easily set and lock in your preferred default fonts, like Calibri, without disruptive updates.Lightweight architecture ensures fast performance on Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices.Completely free to use with an intuitive, familiar tabbed interface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Microsoft Office default font suddenly change to Aptos?

Microsoft introduced Aptos as the new default font across Microsoft 365 in version 2312 (released January 2024). This update replaced Calibri, which had been the default Office font for over 15 years, to provide a more modernized look optimized for higher-resolution screens.

How can I change the default font back to Calibri in Excel?

Open Excel, click 'File', and select 'Options'. In the 'General' tab, look for the 'When creating new workbooks' section. Click the dropdown menu next to 'Use this as the default font', select 'Calibri', click 'OK', and then restart Excel for the changes to take effect.

Will changing my default font settings alter my older documents?

No, older documents will retain the fonts and formatting they were originally created with. Changing the default font or theme only applies to newly created documents, spreadsheets, and emails.

Can I permanently delete the Aptos font from Microsoft 365?

No, Aptos is now deeply integrated into the Microsoft 365 software as a core cloud font and cannot be uninstalled or permanently deleted. However, you can bypass it entirely by changing your default font and theme settings in each Office application.

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