How to Reset Keyboard Shortcuts in Word

Return to the original settings in just a few easy steps

By
James Marshall
James Marshall
Writer
James Marshall is a pro journalist who covers technology and computer troubleshooting. He is also skilled with Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, and other word processors.
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Updated on November 19, 2021
Reviewed by
Jon Fisher
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Reviewed by Jon Fisher
  • Wichita Technical Institute
Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.
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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.

  1. Open Word and select the File tab.

  2. Select Options at the bottom of the left pane of the File window. Word Options will open.

    Screenshot of Options on File window in Word

  3. Select Customize Ribbon in the left pane.

    Screenshot of Customize Ribbon in Word Options

  4. Select Customize next to Keyboard Shortcuts beneath the Choose Commands From list. The Customize Keyboard window will open.

    Screenshot of Customize button next to Keyboard Shortcuts in Word Options

  5. Select the Reset All button at the bottom of the Customize Keyboard window.

    Screenshot of thethe Reset All button in the Customize Keyboard window

  6. Select Yes to confirm that you want to reset the key assignments.

    Screenshot of confirmation dialog

  7. 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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