How to Make Microsoft Word Remember Window Position
Question details
The user needs Microsoft Word to save and restore the exact application window position on the desktop when reopening documents.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Opening and reopening Word documents on the desktop.
- Observed behavior
- Documents reopen in a different location or default position rather than where the application window was previously closed.
Since Microsoft Word lacks a native feature to save window positions across sessions, ensure you have administrative permissions if you plan to install third-party utilities or macros.
Use a Trusted Third-Party Add-in
Since Word has no built-in function to restore previous window positions, installing a specialized macro or utility is the most effective way to gain this functionality.
Microsoft relies on Windows' default window management, which often resets application positions. A dedicated add-in runs in the background to record coordinates when you close a file and apply them when you reopen it.
Search for and download a trusted third-party Word add-in designed for window management, such as SaveViewLocMulti from The Macro Zone.
Extract the downloaded files and place the template (.dotm) file into Microsoft Word's Startup folder as instructed by the provider.
Close all active Word windows and relaunch the application to initialize the add-in. Your window positions should now be remembered.
Verify Document View Settings
Sometimes layout inconsistencies give the impression that the window position is wrong. Ensuring your document always opens in Print Layout can help maintain a consistent viewing experience.
Try WPS Office for a More Consistent Desktop Experience
If you are frustrated by Word's inability to remember window positions and prefer not to install third-party macros, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a unified, tabbed interface that keeps your documents organized in a single, stable window.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installation package.
- 2. Install and set preferences: Run the installer and set WPS Office as your default application for opening documents.
- 3. Enjoy tabbed viewing: Open multiple documents seamlessly within a single, maximized window that always stays where you expect it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft Word open on my secondary monitor?
This typically occurs if you disconnect and reconnect external monitors while Word is running, or if Word was last closed on the secondary monitor. Windows attempts to recall the last display used, but varying resolutions can disrupt this.
Does holding the Shift key while closing Word save its position?
In older versions of Windows, holding the Shift or Ctrl key while clicking the Close (X) button forced the operating system to remember the window's size and position. However, this behavior is largely inconsistent in modern environments like Windows 10 and 11.
Can I write my own macro to resize the Word window?
Yes. You can use Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) to write an AutoOpen macro that utilizes the Application.Width, Application.Height, Application.Top, and Application.Left properties to force the window into specific coordinates.
How do I find Microsoft Word's Startup folder to install an add-in?
The Startup folder is generally located in your AppData directory. You can find it by pressing Win + R, typing '%appdata%\Microsoft\Word\STARTUP', and hitting Enter.
