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Why Microsoft 365 Resets Preferences on Mac and How to Report It
Question details
Users need to understand why their custom application settings are lost after updating Microsoft 365 and how to address the issue.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Updating Microsoft 365 applications on a Mac computer.
- Observed behavior
- Application preferences, including default fonts, margins, page sizes, and other customized settings, unexpectedly revert to factory defaults after a software update.
Take note of your current default fonts, custom margins, and preferred page sizes so you can quickly restore them if they are reset during the next update.
Report the Issue via In-App Feedback
Use the built-in feedback tool in your Office apps to alert the Microsoft development team directly so they can patch the bug in a future update.
Since this is a known update behavior with Microsoft 365 on macOS, the most effective immediate action for standard users is to report the bug to Microsoft's developers.
Open Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint on your Mac.
Click on the 'Help' option in the top macOS menu bar.
Select 'Feedback' from the dropdown menu, and then choose 'Report a Problem'.
Provide a brief description detailing that your application preferences and settings reset after the latest update, then submit the form.
Open a Support Ticket (Administrators Only)
Microsoft 365 administrators can open an official support ticket on behalf of their organization to request a dedicated fix.
Switch to WPS Office for a Stable Mac Experience
Frustrated by Microsoft 365 updates wiping your custom settings? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly stable alternative for Mac users. Enjoy a familiar interface and flawless compatibility without the hassle of unexpected preference resets.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free macOS version.
- 2. Install on Your Mac: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Files Seamlessly: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office files with perfect formatting retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prevent Microsoft 365 updates from resetting my preferences on Mac?
Currently, this is a known bug associated with certain update builds on macOS. You cannot strictly prevent it natively other than temporarily disabling automatic updates until Microsoft releases a stable patch.
Will my existing documents lose their formatting when preferences are reset?
No, your previously saved documents will retain all their specific formatting. The reset bug only affects the application's default settings for new documents, such as the default blank page margins or default font style.
Do I need administrator rights to report a problem in Word for Mac?
No, any standard user can utilize the in-app Help > Feedback > Report a Problem feature. However, opening an official prioritized support ticket via the Admin Center requires Microsoft 365 administrator privileges.
