How to Save and Restore Microsoft Office 365 Settings Before Reinstalling Windows
Question details
The user needs to back up and restore personalized Microsoft Office 365 configurations, such as custom ribbons, Word styles, and AutoCorrect entries, to preserve them through a system reinstallation.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 365
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Reinstalling the Windows operating system and needing to migrate or retain personalized Office application configurations.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Office lacks a universal one-click export and restore function, requiring users to manually locate and back up separate configuration files for ribbons, styles, and AutoCorrect.
Ensure you have an external USB drive or a reliable cloud storage account (like OneDrive or Google Drive) ready to safely store your exported configuration files before you format your system or reinstall Windows.
Export the Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar
Use the built-in Office options to export your customized Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) to a transferable file.
This process applies to individual Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. You will need to repeat this step for each application where you have customized the interface.
Launch the Office application (e.g., Word) and navigate to File > Options.
Select 'Customize Ribbon' or 'Quick Access Toolbar' from the left-hand navigation pane.
Click the 'Import/Export' button located at the bottom right of the window, choose 'Export all customizations', and save the .exportedUI file to your external backup drive.
After reinstalling Windows and Office, return to this same menu, click 'Import/Export', select 'Import customization file', and choose your backed-up file to restore the layout.
Back Up Word Styles and Macros (Normal.dotm)
Word styles and default macros are saved in a master template file that can be manually copied and restored.
Export AutoCorrect Entries
AutoCorrect entries are stored in specific hidden .acl files within your Windows user profile directory.
Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Productivity Experience
Reconfiguring Microsoft Office after a system wipe can be tedious and requires backing up dozens of hidden files. Consider switching to WPS Office, a highly compatible, lightweight, and completely free alternative that simplifies document management without complex registry tweaks.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installer and follow the quick setup process.
- 2. Enable Cloud Sync: Sign in with a free account to activate cloud services, making future device migrations effortless.
- 3. Open Your Files: Seamlessly open your existing Microsoft Office documents and continue working with familiar tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Microsoft Office 365 automatically sync my ribbon settings to the cloud?
No, Office 365 does not automatically sync ribbon customizations, quick access toolbar configurations, or local AutoCorrect entries across devices or system reinstalls. You must manually export them.
Can I use a single tool or button to back up all Office settings at once?
Microsoft does not offer a universal settings backup tool. Officially, you must back up interface layouts, templates, dictionaries, and AutoCorrect files individually using different methods.
Where are my custom dictionary entries saved?
Your custom dictionary is stored in a file named CUSTOM.DIC. You can find and back up this file by navigating to '%appdata%\Microsoft\UProof' in the Windows Run dialog.
Will my Outlook profiles and settings be backed up when I export Word settings?
No. Outlook profiles, PST/OST data files, and email signatures are stored entirely separately from Word or Excel settings and require their own specific backup procedures.
