Office Settings & Configuration

How to Stop AutoCorrect Bold Formatting from Changing Font Size in Word

Huma Ashraf Ch Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to prevent the word processor from unexpectedly altering the text font size when AutoCorrect automatically applies bold formatting to text surrounded by asterisks.

How to Stop AutoCorrect Bold Formatting from Changing Font Size in Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Typing text enclosed in asterisks (e.g., *text*) to utilize the AutoFormat feature for quick bold text.
Observed behavior: Instead of just making the text bold, the application unexpectedly changes the font size of the affected text.

Before you start

Save your current document to ensure no data is lost, and try opening a completely new, blank document to see if the font sizing issue is isolated to your current file.

Solution 1Recommended

Restart the Word Processing Application

Most temporary formatting glitches, including unexpected AutoCorrect font size changes, can be resolved by simply restarting the program.

Software anomalies can occasionally cause AutoFormat triggers to behave incorrectly. Closing the application entirely clears the temporary session memory, which often forces the formatting engine to reset and function properly upon the next launch.

Save your work

Press Ctrl + S or click the Save icon to ensure all recent changes to your document are securely saved.

Close the application

Click the 'X' in the top right corner or go to File > Close to completely exit the word processor.

Reopen and test

Launch the application again, open your document, and type text surrounded by asterisks to verify that the bold formatting applies without altering the font size.

Quick Fix: Many users report that this specific font sizing anomaly is a temporary glitch that resolves itself automatically after reopening the application.

Solution 2

Verify Document Default Style and Font Settings

Check your default style configurations to ensure they are not inadvertently programmed to change the font size when bold text is applied.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I turn off asterisk bold formatting in Word completely?

Navigate to File > Options > Proofing. Click on the 'AutoCorrect Options' button, then switch to the 'AutoFormat As You Type' tab. Uncheck the box labeled '*Bold* and _italic_ with real formatting' and click OK.

Why does my font size change automatically while typing?

This typically occurs if the document's underlying 'Normal' style is configured to update automatically, or if there is a conflict caused by copying and pasting text that includes hidden source formatting.

Can restarting my computer fix Word document glitches?

Yes. While restarting the application itself often fixes temporary formatting anomalies, restarting your computer clears the system RAM and can resolve deeper software conflicts affecting your word processor.

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