How to Make Word 365 Remember Navigation Pane Location
Question details
The user needs Microsoft Word 365 to remember the exact size and screen position of the Navigation Pane when reopening documents.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Reopening previously saved documents and expecting the workspace layout, specifically the Navigation Pane, to remain unchanged.
- Observed behavior
- Unlike older versions such as Word 2010, the Navigation Pane in Word 365 reopens at a default fixed size and location instead of restoring the user's previously set layout.
Ensure you have administrative privileges on your computer to download and install third-party macro add-ins for Microsoft Word.
Install the SaveViewLocMulti Add-in
Use a specialized macro add-in to force Word 365 to save and restore the Navigation Pane's visibility, position, and size.
Because Microsoft Word 365 handles window states differently than older versions, it no longer natively remembers custom floating positions or exact dimensions of the Navigation Pane across sessions. The SaveViewLocMulti add-in bridges this gap by recording these interface metrics directly into the document's properties.
Obtain the latest version of the SaveViewLocMulti add-in designed for Word 365 from a trusted macro repository or its official developer source.
Copy the downloaded .dotm add-in file into your Microsoft Word Startup folder (typically located at C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Word\STARTUP).
Open Word 365, adjust the Navigation Pane to your preferred size and screen location, and save the document to record the current layout settings.
Close and reopen the document. The add-in will automatically trigger and restore the Navigation Pane using the settings recorded at your most recent save.
Try WPS Office for a Streamlined Document Experience
If you are frustrated by layout memory issues and complex add-in workarounds in Word 365, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with a built-in, stable Navigation Pane that docks reliably without the need for extra plugins.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and click 'Free Download' to get the installer.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick on-screen prompts to set up WPS Office on your computer.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word documents to immediately enjoy a stable and familiar workspace layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't Word 365 natively remember my Navigation Pane settings?
Microsoft changed how window states and interface layouts are handled in newer builds of Office 365. Unlike Word 2010, Word 365 defaults to a fixed, optimized size and docked location for the Navigation Pane upon reopening to ensure consistency across different screen resolutions and devices.
Where is the Microsoft Word Startup folder located on Windows?
By default, the Word Startup folder is located at C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Word\STARTUP. Placing a template or add-in file here ensures it loads automatically every time you launch Word.
Can I permanently dock the Navigation Pane in Word?
Yes, you can click and hold the title bar of the Navigation Pane, then drag it to the far left or right edge of your Word application window until it snaps into place. It will remain docked, though preserving the exact width after restarting Word often requires a specialized macro add-in.
