How to Fix Word for Mac Resetting Username and Initials After Restart
Question details
The user needs to prevent Word for Mac from reverting their custom username and initials back to the default 'Microsoft Office User' and 'MOU'.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Configuring personal information and author details for document tracking and comments.
- Observed behavior
- Word repeatedly changes the configured username and initials back to 'Microsoft Office User' and 'MOU' after a system restart or overnight, even when the setting 'Always use this name and initials' is enabled.
Ensure your Microsoft Office suite and macOS are updated to their latest versions. Additionally, check if you are logged into the same Microsoft account on multiple Mac computers, as this can cause profile synchronization conflicts.
Repair macOS Keychain and Verify Account Sync
Fixing potential keychain access issues can resolve profile synchronization problems that cause the username reset.
Word for Mac relies on the macOS Keychain to securely store and sync your Office identity credentials. If the keychain is corrupted or experiencing sync conflicts across multiple devices, your preferences may be continuously overwritten.
Open Microsoft Word, go to 'Help' in the top menu bar, and select 'Check for Updates' to install any pending Office updates.
Launch the 'Keychain Access' app on your Mac. You can find this by pressing Command + Space for Spotlight search and typing 'Keychain Access', or by navigating to Applications > Utilities.
Search for 'Microsoft Office' entries in the keychain. If Office is repeatedly requesting keychain access, you may need to delete the cached credentials or reset your default keychain settings to force Office to rebuild your profile correctly. Restart your Mac afterward.
If you use Word on multiple Macs with the same Microsoft subscription, compare the user settings on both devices. Ensure the username and initials are configured identically to prevent cloud sync from overriding your preferences.
Manually Edit the MeContact.plist Configuration File
Directly editing the Office identity data file can force the correct username and initials to be saved when the user interface fails.
Try WPS Office for a Stable and Seamless Experience on Mac
If you are tired of dealing with synchronization issues, keychain errors, and configuration glitches in Microsoft Word for Mac, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. Enjoy a familiar interface and reliable settings management without the hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word for Mac keep changing my author name to Microsoft Office User?
This typically happens due to a synchronization conflict with your Microsoft account across multiple devices, or an issue with your Mac's keychain where Word fails to retrieve or permanently save your personalized identity data upon restart.
How do I change my username and initials in Word for Mac?
Go to the 'Word' menu at the top of your screen, select 'Preferences', and click on 'User Information'. Enter your preferred name and initials, and check the box that says 'Always use this name regardless of how I'm signed in to Office'.
Can using Word on multiple Macs cause my settings to reset?
Yes. If you use the same Microsoft account on two different Macs (such as a home and work computer), conflicting synchronization data can cause your local preferences, including your username and initials, to be overwritten or reset overnight.
