Office Settings & Configuration

How to Set the Default Return Address in Word 2016

Olivia Miller Oct 26, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to configure a default return address in Word 2016 so that it automatically applies to all new envelopes.

How to Set the Default Return Address in Word 2016

Product: Microsoft Word 2016
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating envelopes and configuring global mailing settings for recurring use.
Observed behavior: Changes made to the return address within an individual document or the Normal template do not carry over to new envelopes, forcing the user to re-enter the address manually.

Before you start

Ensure you have the exact business or personal return address details you want to use as your global default before modifying the Word settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Configure the Default Mailing Address in Word Options

The most reliable method to set a persistent default return address for envelopes is through the Advanced General settings in Word 2016.

Microsoft Word pulls the default envelope return address from its core application options rather than the current document's template. Updating the General settings ensures your address is permanently saved.

Open Word Options

Launch Microsoft Word 2016. Click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the ribbon, and select 'Options' from the bottom of the left-hand navigation pane.

Navigate to Advanced Settings

In the Word Options dialog box that appears, click on 'Advanced' in the left-hand menu.

Locate the General Section

Scroll down through the Advanced options pane on the right until you find the section labeled 'General'.

Enter the Return Address

Find the 'Mailing address' text box and type in the return address exactly as you want it to appear on your envelopes. Click 'OK' to save the changes.

Configure the Default Mailing Address in Word Options

Setup Complete: Your new return address will now automatically populate the Return Address field whenever you open the Envelopes feature.

Manage Envelopes Easily in WPS Office

Easily Set Up Envelope Return Addresses in WPS Writer

WPS Writer offers an intuitive interface for managing your document settings, including default mailing addresses for envelopes. It provides a seamless experience for all your mailing needs.

1. Open WPS Writer Options: Launch WPS Writer, click on the 'Menu' button in the top-left corner, and select 'Options' from the drop-down list.
2. Access User Information: In the Options dialog, click on the 'User Information' tab located in the left-hand pane.
3. Input Mailing Address: Type your desired default return address into the 'Mailing address' text field.
4. Save and Apply: Click 'OK' to save your settings. Your return address will now act as the default when generating new envelopes in WPS Writer.

Free and lightweight word processing alternativeFully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsIntuitive options menu for managing mailing and user informationEasily generate and print professional envelopes and labels

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't my return address saving when I edit it on the envelope directly?

Editing the return address directly in the Envelopes dialog box or within a single document template only applies to that specific print job. To make it the permanent default for all future envelopes, you must update the Mailing Address in the Advanced General options.

Can I use multiple default return addresses in Word 2016?

Word only stores one default return address in its core settings. However, you can manually override the return address in the Envelopes dialog box for individual mailings without permanently altering your default setting.

How do I print an envelope without a return address?

Open the Envelopes and Labels dialog box via the Mailings tab, and check the 'Omit' box located next to the Return Address section. This will temporarily suppress the return address for that specific print.

Does the Mailing Address setting apply to labels as well?

Yes, the mailing address saved in the Advanced General options is globally recognized as the default return address for both the Envelopes and Labels features within Microsoft Word.

Office App Problems