Setting Times New Roman as the default font in Microsoft Word is pretty simple. You’ll need to adjust the font settings in a few short steps, so every time you start a new document, Times New Roman pops up as your default font. It’ll save you a ton of time and hassle by ensuring all your documents have a consistent look.
Setting Times New Roman as Default in Word
In this guide, you’ll learn how to set Times New Roman as the default font in Microsoft Word. By following these steps, you’ll ensure that every new document you open is set to Times New Roman automatically.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Word
Open the Microsoft Word application on your computer.
First, make sure you’ve got Microsoft Word up and running. If it isn’t already installed, download it from the official Microsoft website. You can’t change settings in a program you haven’t opened yet!
Step 2: Go to the Home Tab
Click on the ‘Home’ tab located at the top of the screen.
The ‘Home’ tab is where most of your basic text formatting options are located. You’ll see options for fonts, paragraph settings, and more.
Step 3: Open the Font Dialog Box
Click the small arrow in the bottom-right corner of the Font group.
This little arrow will open up the Font dialog box. It’s like finding the control panel for all things text-related in Word.
Step 4: Select Times New Roman
In the Font dialog box, select ‘Times New Roman’ from the list of fonts.
Scroll through the list and click on ‘Times New Roman.’ This is the font you want to standardize for all your new documents.
Step 5: Set as Default
Click the ‘Set As Default’ button located at the bottom left of the Font dialog box.
When you click ‘Set As Default,’ another box will pop up asking if you want to set this as the default for this document only or for all documents based on the Normal template.
Step 6: Confirm Selection
Select ‘All documents based on the Normal template’ and click OK.
By selecting this option, you’re telling Word to use Times New Roman for every new document you create. Hit OK to save the changes.
After you complete these steps, every new document you open in Microsoft Word will default to Times New Roman.
Tips for Setting Times New Roman as Default in Word
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Check Your Version: Make sure you’re using a version of Word that supports these changes, like Word 2013 or later.
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Backup Your Templates: Before making changes, it’s a good idea to back up your Normal.dotm template file.
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Font Size: While you’re setting the font, you might also want to set your preferred font size.
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Document Types: Remember that this change will apply to all new documents based on the Normal template.
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Revisit Settings: If you ever want to change the default font again, just follow these same steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set different default fonts for different templates?
Yes, you can set different default fonts for different templates. Just open the template you want to modify and follow the same steps.
Will this change affect existing documents?
No, these changes will only affect new documents you create. Existing documents will retain their original formatting.
Can I set Times New Roman as the default in other Office applications?
Yes, similar steps can be followed in other Office applications like Excel and PowerPoint.
Is this change permanent?
The change is permanent until you decide to modify the settings again. You can always revert back or choose another font if needed.
What if Times New Roman is not in the font list?
If Times New Roman is missing, you might need to reinstall it. Go to your computer’s font settings and add it back.
Summary
- Open Microsoft Word.
- Go to the Home Tab.
- Open the Font Dialog Box.
- Select Times New Roman.
- Set as Default.
- Confirm Selection.
Conclusion
Setting Times New Roman as the default font in Word can streamline your workflow and ensure consistency across all your documents. Following these simple steps will make Times New Roman your go-to font automatically, saving you the trouble of changing it every time you start a new document. If you’re looking to create professional, uniform documents effortlessly, this is a quick yet essential adjustment.
For further reading, check out Microsoft’s official support pages or explore more of Word’s customization options. And if you find yourself constantly fiddling with settings, consider creating a custom template to save even more time. Now that you’ve mastered setting Times New Roman as your default font, you’re one step closer to becoming a Microsoft Word whiz!

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.