Resetting Keyboard Shortcuts and Keys 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.

Instructions in this article apply to Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2019, Word 2016, Word 2013, and Word 2010.

Reset the Keyboard Shortcuts in Word

To reset the keyboard and keystrokes to the default settings, follow these steps:

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.

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.

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: