To add a new font to Word on Windows, download the font file (.ttf or .otf) from a trusted source, unzip it if needed, right-click the file and choose Install (or Install for all users). Close and reopen Word, and the font appears in the font list on the Home tab. Word doesn’t install fonts itself; it uses the fonts installed in Windows or macOS. The steps are the same for Word 2013 and newer. Office 2013 reached end of support on April 11, 2023.
Quick Answer
Download and unzip the font > right-click the .ttf or .otf file > Install > restart Word > pick it from the font list.
Steps to Add a Font on Windows
- Download the font from a reputable site, and check its licence if you’ll use it commercially.
- If it came as a .zip, right-click it and choose Extract All.
- Right-click the .ttf or .otf file and choose Install. You can also drag it into Settings > Personalization > Fonts.
- Close Word completely and open it again.
- Select text and choose the new font from Home > Font.
Font Options at a Glance
| Task | How |
|---|---|
| Install for your account | Right-click > Install |
| Install for everyone on the PC | Right-click > Install for all users (admin needed) |
| Install several at once | Select all font files > right-click > Install |
| Share a document with the font | File > Options > Save > Embed fonts in the file |
| Mac | Double-click the font and click Install in Font Book |
For Nastaliq fonts, see typing in Urdu in Word.
Troubleshooting
- Font doesn’t appear: Restart Word, or restart the PC. Check that the file installed in Settings > Personalization > Fonts.
- Font looks different on another PC: Embed fonts when saving, or export to PDF.
- More Windows options: See installing fonts on Windows 11.
- Using a Mac: See adding a font to Word on Mac.
Related: How to install multiple fonts at once in Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are free fonts safe?
Font files from reputable font libraries are generally safe. Avoid files that come as .exe installers.
Will the font work in Excel and PowerPoint too?
Yes. Once installed in Windows, all Office apps can use it.
Can I add fonts to Word on the web?
Word for the web uses cloud fonts and doesn’t use fonts installed on your PC.
Summary
- Download and unzip the font.
- Right-click and choose Install.
- Restart Word.
- Embed fonts when sharing.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.