How to Reset Keyboard Shortcuts in Word

Return to the original settings in just a few easy steps

By

James Marshall

Updated on November 19, 2021

Reviewed by

Jon Fisher

MS Office

What to Know

In Word, select the File tab. Select Options at the bottom of the left pane. Choose Customize Ribbon in the left pane.
In the Choose commands from list, select Customize next to Keyboard Shortcuts.
Select Reset All > Yes > Close > OK.

This article explains how to reset the keyboard shortcuts and keys to the defaults in Microsoft Word. This information applies to Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2021, Word 2019, Word 2016, Word 2013, and Word 2010.

Reset the Keyboard Shortcuts in Word

If you're a regular Word user, you may have altered some of the keyboard shortcuts to suit the way you use the program. If so, and you want to return to the original shortcuts, here's how to do it.

Open Word and select the File tab.
Select Options at the bottom of the left pane of the File window. Word Options will open.
Select Customize Ribbon in the left pane.
Select Customize next to Keyboard Shortcuts beneath the Choose Commands From list. The Customize Keyboard window will open.
Select the Reset All button at the bottom of the Customize Keyboard window.
Select Yes to confirm that you want to reset the key assignments.
Select Close and then select OK to exit the Word Options window. All custom keyboard shortcuts will be removed and any default shortcuts that had been changed will be restored to their initial settings.

Resetting customized keyboard shortcuts will remove all shortcut keys currently assigned to any macros or styles in the default Word template. This action cannot be undone, so be sure you want to remove these before continuing. It is wise to review the customizations you have made. If in doubt, reassign keystrokes and command keys individually.

About Word's Shortcut Keys

Now that your Word shortcuts are reset take the time to memorize a few of the most useful ones. If you get used to using them, you'll increase your productivity. Here are a few of the most helpful and commonly used keyboard shortcuts for Word:

Ctrl+W closes the active document or window.
Ctr+S saves the document.
Ctrl+P prints the document.
Ctrl+Z undoes an action.
Ctrl+Y redoes an action.
Ctrl+K inserts a hyperlink.
Ctrl+B applies or removes bold format.
Ctrl+I applies or removes italic format.
Alt, F, A is Save As.
Alt, W, R shows or hides the ruler.
Alt+Left Arrow goes back one page.
Alt+Right Arrow goes forward one page.
Ctrl+Shift+A changes the text to all capitals.

There are plenty more shortcuts where these came from, but this selection will get you started.

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