Accidentally changed your Word 2019 settings and now everything looks unfamiliar? Don’t worry, resetting Word 2019 to its default settings is a relatively simple process. In just a few steps, you can restore the program to its original state, giving you a fresh start to customize it as you like.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Reset Word 2019 to Default Settings
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re aiming for here. Resetting Word 2019 to its default settings will remove any customizations you have made, such as changes to the ribbon, quick access toolbar, and any personalized default document settings.
Step 1: Open Word Options
First thing’s first, you’ll need to access the Word Options menu.
To do this, open Word 2019, click on the ‘File’ tab in the top left corner, then select ‘Options’ at the bottom of the sidebar. This will bring up a new window where you can adjust various settings for Word.
Step 2: Go to the ‘Customize Ribbon’ Option
Now that you’re in the Word Options menu, click on ‘Customize Ribbon’ in the sidebar.
Here, you will see options to change the layout of the tabs and commands that appear in the ribbon at the top of Word. However, we’re not here to make changes – we’re here to reset!
Step 3: Click on ‘Reset’
Look for the ‘Reset’ button at the bottom of the window.
You’ll find this button towards the bottom right of the ‘Customize Ribbon’ section. It’s small but mighty – clicking on it will give you the option to reset all customizations.
Step 4: Confirm the Reset
Click on ‘Reset all customizations’ to restore the default settings.
A pop-up window will appear asking if you’re sure you want to reset all customizations. If you’re ready, go ahead and click ‘Yes’. This will reset the ribbon and quick access toolbar to their original settings.
After you complete these steps, your Word 2019 will be back to its default state. All the personalized settings you had before will be gone, and you’ll have a clean slate to start customizing again, if you wish.
Tips: Maximizing Your Experience After Resetting Word 2019 to Default Settings
- Familiarize yourself with the default settings before making any changes. This will help you understand what’s available and how you can customize it to suit your needs.
- When you start customizing again, consider what changes are necessary and what may just be preferences. This will prevent you from cluttering your Word experience with unnecessary modifications.
- Take advantage of the ‘Import/Export’ feature in the Word Options menu to save your customizations. This way, if you ever need to reset again, you can easily restore your preferred settings.
- Explore the different templates Word offers for documents, as they can provide a good starting point for formatting and design.
- Remember to save your work frequently, especially when you’re making changes to settings, to avoid losing any important customizations or documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I only want to reset certain aspects of Word 2019, not everything?
If you only want to reset specific settings, you can choose to reset just the ribbon or quick access toolbar individually. This option is available in the same ‘Customize Ribbon’ section where you find the ‘Reset’ button.
Can I undo the reset if I change my mind?
Once you confirm the reset, you cannot undo the action. However, if you have previously exported and saved your customizations, you can import them back into Word after the reset.
Will resetting Word 2019 delete my documents?
No, resetting Word to its default settings will not delete any of your saved documents. It will only affect the program settings and customizations.
What if my Word 2019 doesn’t look like it’s been reset after following these steps?
Make sure you have closed and reopened Word after completing the reset process. If it still doesn’t look like it’s been reset, you might need to check if there are any additional customizations made through add-ins or templates that are affecting the appearance.
Can I reset Word 2019 to default settings on a Mac?
Yes, the process is similar on a Mac. You’ll find the ‘Word Options’ menu under the ‘Word’ menu in the menu bar. The rest of the steps are the same.
Summary
- Open Word Options.
- Go to the ‘Customize Ribbon’ option.
- Click on ‘Reset’.
- Confirm the reset by clicking on ‘Reset all customizations’.
Conclusion
Resetting Word 2019 to default settings is a straightforward process that can help you overcome any issues caused by unwanted or accidental changes. It provides a clean slate, freeing you from the constraints of previous customizations and allowing you to tailor your Word experience to your current needs. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, knowing how to reset Word 2019 is a valuable skill that can save time and frustration. So go ahead, give your Word a fresh start, and make your document creation process smoother and more efficient.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.