Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix the Normal.dotm Already Open as an Add-In Error in Word

Maira Mehtab Sep 24, 2026 874 views

Question details

Users need to resolve an error in Word 365 where the application claims the global template Normal.dotm is already open as an add-in.

Product: Microsoft Word 365
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Opening Microsoft Word or troubleshooting startup and add-in errors.
Observed behavior: Word repeatedly displays an error message stating that the global template Normal.dotm is already open as an add-in, typically caused by the file being mistakenly stored in the Word Startup folder.

Before you start

Ensure Microsoft Word is completely closed before modifying template files, and verify you have administrative access to navigate hidden Windows folders like AppData.

Solution 1Recommended

Remove Normal.dotm from the Word Startup Folders

Relocate or delete the Normal.dotm file from Word's designated Startup folders so it stops incorrectly loading as an add-in.

The Normal.dotm file is a global template that should reside in your User Templates folder. When it is mistakenly copied or saved into the Word Startup folder, Word attempts to load it as an add-in, causing this startup error.

Close Microsoft Word

Ensure that all instances of Microsoft Word are completely closed.

Navigate to the AppData Startup folder

Open File Explorer, click on the address bar, paste %appdata%\Microsoft\Word\STARTUP, and press Enter.

Remove the Normal.dotm file

If you see a Normal.dotm file in this folder, move it to a different location (like your Desktop) or rename it.

Check the Program Files Startup folder

If the file is not there, check the system-wide startup folder by pasting %programfiles%\Microsoft Office\root\office16\Startup into the File Explorer address bar.

Restart Word

Remove or rename any Normal.dotm found there, then restart Microsoft Word to check if the error is resolved.

Default Template Location: The correct default location for Normal.dotm is typically %appdata%\Microsoft\Templates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Normal.dotm file in Word?

Normal.dotm is the global template in Microsoft Word that stores default settings like font styles, margins, and custom macros used whenever you create a new blank document.

Where should the Normal.dotm file be located?

By default, the Normal.dotm template should be stored in the User Templates folder, which is typically located at %appdata%\Microsoft\Templates on Windows devices.

Will deleting Normal.dotm permanently damage Word?

No, if you delete or rename the Normal.dotm file, Microsoft Word will automatically generate a fresh, default version of the template the next time you open the application.

How do I check my default template location in Word?

You can verify the template location by opening Word, navigating to File > Options > Advanced, scrolling down to the General section, and clicking on 'File Locations'.

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