To set Times New Roman as the default font in Word, press Ctrl + D (or click the small arrow in the Home tab’s Font group), choose Times New Roman and a size, click Set As Default, pick All documents based on the Normal template, and click OK. New blank documents then start in Times New Roman instead of Aptos, the current default in Microsoft 365 (older versions used Calibri).
Quick Answer
Ctrl + D > Font: Times New Roman > Size: 12 > Set As Default > All documents based on the Normal template > OK.
Steps to Change the Default Font
- Open a blank document.
- On the Home tab, click the small arrow at the bottom right of the Font group, or press Ctrl + D.
- Under Font, choose Times New Roman. Set the style and size, such as Regular, 12.
- Click Set As Default.
- In the small box that pops up, select the second option so the change reaches every new blank document, then click OK.
- Should Word prompt you about Normal.dotm on closing, choose Save to keep the new font.
Theme Fonts vs. a Fixed Font
Word’s default body text uses a theme font labelled +Body. Picking Times New Roman directly, as above, overrides it. Alternatively, go to Design > Fonts > Customize Fonts, set the body and heading fonts, then click Design > Set as Default to keep the theme approach.
Where the Default Applies
| Choice | Result |
|---|---|
| This document only | Changes just the open file |
| All documents based on the Normal template | Every new blank document |
| Existing documents | Not changed; select all (Ctrl + A) and change the font |
You can also set UK English as the default language.
In Excel, see how to change the default font in Excel 2013.
To change a whole existing document, see how to change the font for an entire document.
Troubleshooting
- Default keeps reverting: Normal.dotm may be read-only or reset by an add-in. Open Word in safe mode to test, and check the file isn’t read-only.
- Headings still use another font: Headings have their own styles. Right-click Heading 1 > Modify and change the font.
- Writing an MLA paper? See MLA format in Word and adjusting line spacing.
- Font not listed? See adding fonts in Word.
Related: use Times New Roman in Google Docs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this change Outlook or Excel?
No. Each app has its own default font settings.
How do I change the default on a Mac?
Choose Format > Font, set Times New Roman, click Default and confirm with Yes.
What size should I use?
12 pt is the usual choice for academic and business documents.
Summary
- Press Ctrl + D.
- Choose Times New Roman and a size.
- Click Set As Default.
- Choose all documents based on Normal and click OK.
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.