Office Settings & Configuration

How to Permanently Disable Use Wildcards in Word Search

Huda Qurayshi Oct 13, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to permanently disable the 'Use wildcards' setting in the Find and Replace tool, as it keeps turning back on automatically.

How to Permanently Disable Use Wildcards in Word Search

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Using the Find and Replace dialog to search for standard text in a document without advanced wildcard parameters.
Observed behavior: The 'Use wildcards' option repeatedly re-enables itself even after it has been cleared, saved, and the application has been restarted.

Before you start

Save your current work and ensure you are ready to completely close and restart your word processing application, as changes to global templates and add-ins require a fresh launch to take effect.

Solution 1

Restart the Word Processor to Reset Defaults

By default, the application should clear its temporary search parameters upon a fresh restart.

In most versions of Microsoft Word, advanced search options like 'Use wildcards' or 'Match case' are not saved permanently. They are designed to reset to their default unselected state when you close the software.

Close All Documents

Save and close every open Microsoft Word document and window.

Relaunch and Test

Open a new blank document. Press Ctrl + H to open the Find and Replace dialog, click 'More >>', and verify if the 'Use wildcards' box is now unchecked.

Solution 2Recommended

Disable Interfering COM Add-ins

Third-party add-ins or automated macros can override default search behaviors and force wildcards to remain on.

Solution 3

Rename or Reset the Global Template (Normal.dotm)

A corrupted global template may be saving your search dialog configurations permanently.

Use WPS Writer's Reliable Find and Replace Feature

If persistent setting glitches continue to interrupt your workflow, easily manage your document searches with WPS Writer. The Find and Replace tool in WPS Office automatically and reliably resets its advanced options upon restarting, ensuring wildcards are only active when you explicitly need them.

1. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your existing .docx or text document.
2. Access Find and Replace: Press the standard shortcut Ctrl + H to bring up the Find and Replace dialog box.
3. Adjust Search Options: Click the 'Options' button to expand the menu. Ensure 'Use wildcards' is unchecked for a standard exact-match text search.
4. Execute Search: Enter your search terms and click 'Find Next'. When you close and reopen the application, WPS reliably clears this setting by default.

Highly compatible with all Microsoft Word formats (.doc, .docx).Advanced search settings reliably reset, preventing frustrating permanent configurations.Lightweight application that runs smoothly on all major desktop operating systems.Completely free to download and use with a highly familiar user interface.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the 'Use wildcards' option actually do in a document search?

The 'Use wildcards' option allows you to use special characters (like * or ?) to perform advanced searches. Instead of finding exact phrases, it helps you find variations of a word, specific text patterns, or characters grouped in a particular way.

Why doesn't my word processor save my Find and Replace settings?

By design, advanced Find and Replace settings (including wildcards, match case, and whole words only) are temporary. The software is built to reset these to their default unselected state whenever the application is closed to prevent accidental advanced searches in future sessions.

Are wildcards supported in WPS Office Writer?

Yes, WPS Office Writer fully supports wildcard searches for advanced text locating. You can access this by pressing Ctrl + H, clicking 'Options' in the Find and Replace dialog, and checking the 'Use wildcards' box.

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