Office Settings & Configuration

How to Make Word Open Documents at the Last Page or Cursor Position

Natalie Taylor Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to open a Word document exactly where they left off or have it open directly at the end of the file.

How to Make Word Open Documents at the Last Page or Cursor Position

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Opening a previously edited long document and wanting to resume editing immediately without manually scrolling to the last modified page.
Observed behavior: By default, Word opens documents at the very beginning, requiring the user to manually scroll down to find the last edited section or the end of the document.

Before you start

Before modifying system folders or adding macros, ensure you have enabled 'Hidden items' in File Explorer so you can properly locate the Microsoft Word AppData folders.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the SaveViewLocMulti Add-in

Install a specialized add-in to automatically save and restore your cursor location and view settings within document properties.

By placing a third-party add-in into Word's Startup folder, Word will force the document to remember your exact view and cursor location the next time you open it.

Download the Add-in

Download the SaveViewLocMulti add-in from a trusted Office macro resource site.

Open the Word Startup Folder

Press the Windows logo key + R to open the Run dialog. Type %appdata%\Microsoft\Word\Startup and press Enter.

Install the Add-in

Move the downloaded add-in file into the Startup folder you just opened. Restart Microsoft Word to apply the changes.

Verify Folder Path: If the folder does not open, you can verify your configured Startup folder path inside Word by navigating to File > Options > Advanced > File Locations.

Solution 2

Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Jump to the End

A quick, manual way to jump straight to the end of your document immediately after opening it.

Solution 3

Create an AutoOpen VBA Macro

Automate the process by adding a VBA macro that forces the document to jump to the end every time it opens.

Seamless Document Editing

Easily Pick Up Where You Left Off in WPS Writer

WPS Office provides a highly compatible and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Word. It intuitively supports all standard keyboard shortcuts to navigate long documents and seamlessly handles Microsoft Office formats without the need for complex VBA macros or third-party add-ins.

1. Open Your Document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your long document. The software natively supports all standard Microsoft Word formats.
2. Use the Navigation Shortcut: Press Ctrl + End (or Ctrl + Fn + End on compact keyboards) to instantly jump to the last page and final cursor position of the document.
3. Utilize Native Bookmarks: For extensive editing, use WPS Writer's built-in bookmarking and navigation pane to quickly jump between previously edited sections without writing custom macros.

Native compatibility with Microsoft Word .docx and .doc formats.Supports standard keyboard navigation shortcuts like Ctrl+End.Lightweight installation and incredibly fast document loading times.Familiar user interface for a zero-learning-curve transition.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Word always open at the beginning of the document by default?

By design, Word resets the view to the top of the first page upon opening a file to ensure the title and header are visible. While newer versions have a 'Welcome back' tooltip to resume reading, it is temporary and can be inconsistent, leading users to rely on shortcuts or add-ins.

Where do I find the Word Startup folder?

Press the Windows key + R, paste %appdata%\Microsoft\Word\Startup, and hit Enter. You can also check your exact mapped path directly within Word by going to File > Options > Advanced > File Locations.

How do I enable hidden folders to find the AppData directory?

Open File Explorer, click on the 'View' tab located at the top ribbon, and check the box labeled 'Hidden items'. This will make the hidden AppData folder visible in your Windows user directory.

Will the AutoOpen macro affect all my documents?

It depends entirely on where you save it. If you place the macro in a specific document or a custom template, it only affects those files. If you save it in your global Normal.dotm template, it will apply to all Word documents you open on that computer.

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