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How to Open Word 2013 Files in Microsoft 365 Without Losing Formatting
Question details
The user wants to transition older Word 2013 documents to Microsoft 365 while preserving all original formatting, hyperlinks, styles, and layouts.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Migrating or sharing legacy Word 2013 files to a new computer running Microsoft 365.
- Observed behavior
- Copying and pasting document contents causes formatting loss, or Microsoft 365 overwrites the document styles using its default template, significantly altering the layout.
Before migrating your files, ensure you know how to access the Developer tab in Word, as you will need it to modify background document template settings.
Disable Automatic Style Updates and Transfer the Complete File
Transferring the entire file instead of copying text prevents the new computer's default template from overriding your original styles.
Copying and pasting content between different versions of Word is the most common cause of lost formatting and broken hyperlinks. Retaining the complete file and adjusting style updates prevents compatibility issues.
If the Developer tab is not visible in Word 2013, go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon, check the 'Developer' box in the right-hand column, and click OK.
Navigate to the Developer tab, click 'Document Template', and ensure that the 'Automatically update document styles' checkbox is completely unselected.
Save your document and copy the entire .docx file to a USB drive or cloud storage. Do not select the text and copy it.
Transfer the file to your new device and double-click the .docx file to open it directly in Microsoft 365.
Verify Default Applications and Printer Drivers
Differences in default printers can shift page and line breaks, affecting your document's final layout in Microsoft 365.
Open Legacy Word Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
If you are struggling with formatting issues and version incompatibilities when migrating to Microsoft 365, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. It opens older Word documents flawlessly without altering your styles, layouts, or page breaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Word 2013 document look completely different in Microsoft 365?
This typically happens because Microsoft 365 applies its default Normal.dotm template to older files, overwriting your previous styles. It can also occur if your new computer uses a different default printer, which alters how Word calculates line and page breaks.
How do I show the missing Developer tab in Microsoft Word?
Right-click anywhere on the ribbon at the top of your Word window and select 'Customize the Ribbon'. In the right-hand column, check the box next to 'Developer', then click OK to confirm.
Is it safe to copy and paste text from Word 2013 into a new Microsoft 365 document?
No, copying and pasting is highly discouraged because it often strips original styles, breaks hyperlinks, and completely shifts complex formatting. You should always copy the entire document file (.docx) and open it directly.
