Resetting Keyboard Shortcuts in Word

Shortcuts can make you more productive

Close up of control key on computer keyboard
Adam Gault / Getty Images
by James Marshall
A pro journalist who covers technology and computer troubleshooting, and who uses word processing programs daily.
Updated September 29, 2018

If you've made changes to the shortcut keys or the command keys on the keyboard in Microsoft Word and want to restore them to their original settings, you can.

Reset the Keyboard Shortcuts in a Document

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

  1. From the Tools menu, select Customize Keyboard to open the Customize Keyboard dialog box.

  2. In the Customize Keyboard dialog box, click Reset All at the bottom. The button is grayed out if you haven't made any keyboard customizations.

  3. Click Yes in the pop-up box to confirm the reset.

  4. Click OK to save the changes and close the Customize Keyboard dialog.

You will lose all keystrokes you assigned, so before you restore the settings, it is wise to review the customizations you have made. If in doubt, it is best to 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:

  • 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.