Office Settings & Configuration

How to Find Pinned Documents Replaced by Favorites in Microsoft Word

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user noticed that the Pinned Documents section in the Microsoft Word Files menu has been replaced by a Favorites section after a UI update, and wants to locate their previously pinned files.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Accessing frequently used documents from the Files menu after a Microsoft Office update.
Observed behavior: The Pinned section is missing from the recent files menu, having been replaced by a new Favorites tab.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting, ensure that you are signed into the correct Microsoft account, as your pinned or favorited files are synced directly to your user profile.

Solution 1Recommended

Check the New Favorites Section for Migrated Documents

Microsoft has redesigned the interface, effectively renaming the Pinned feature to Favorites. Most previously pinned files should be found automatically migrated here.

Microsoft appears to have introduced Favorites as a redesigned version of the previous Pinned feature to unify file bookmarking across Microsoft 365.

While Microsoft has not fully documented if Favorites is a permanent replacement, it serves a nearly identical purpose for keeping frequently used documents easily accessible.

Open Microsoft Word

Launch Microsoft Word and click on the 'File' tab located in the top-left corner of the window.

Navigate to the Home screen

Ensure you are on the 'Home' tab of the backstage view, where your recent documents are normally listed.

Select the Favorites tab

Look for the new 'Favorites' section or tab, which has replaced the older 'Pinned' documents list, and click it to view your files.

Undocumented Update: Because this change was pushed during a quiet UI update, you cannot revert Favorites back to Pinned. The workflow remains the same, just under a new name.

Solution 2

Report Missing Pinned Documents via Microsoft Feedback

If your previously pinned documents did not migrate to the Favorites section successfully, you should submit feedback to Microsoft so they can address the migration bug.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Stable and Intuitive Document Experience

If sudden UI changes in Microsoft Word disrupt your workflow or hide your important files, consider trying WPS Office. It offers a familiar, stable interface where your pinned documents remain exactly where you expect them to be.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free suite and follow the quick installation process.
2. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word documents seamlessly without any formatting loss.
3. Pin Important Files: Hover over any file in your Recent list and click the pin icon to keep it permanently accessible.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word formats like .docx and .doc.Stable and familiar user interface without confusing sudden feature renaming.Easily pin and manage your frequently used documents in the Recent list without hassle.Lightweight, fast, and completely free to use.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Microsoft Word change Pinned to Favorites?

Microsoft periodically updates its user interface to streamline the experience across its apps. The 'Favorites' feature was introduced to unify bookmarked or pinned files under a single, recognizable term across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

Can I change the Favorites tab back to Pinned Documents in Word?

Currently, there is no built-in setting in Microsoft Word to revert the 'Favorites' tab back to 'Pinned'. The change is part of a core UI update pushed globally by Microsoft.

What should I do if my pinned files are completely missing from the new Favorites tab?

If your files didn't migrate automatically, you will need to manually re-favorite them by opening the documents from your Recent list or local storage and clicking the star/favorite icon. It is also recommended to submit feedback to Microsoft about the missing files.

Does this UI update affect Excel and PowerPoint as well?

Yes, UI updates regarding file management typically roll out across the entire Microsoft Office suite simultaneously, meaning you will likely see the 'Favorites' section replacing 'Pinned' in Excel and PowerPoint too.

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