Why Does MS Word Keep Changing My Font Size and Style Randomly?

If you've encountered the frustrating issue where Microsoft Word randomly changes your font size and style, you're not alone. This problem can be quite annoying, but fortunately, there are several solutions to consider. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the common causes and provide effective troubleshooting steps to help you resolve this issue.

Common Causes and Solutions

MS Word has a complex way of applying formats to text, and sometimes these settings can interfere with your manual formatting. Here are the most common reasons and solutions for this behavior:

1. Style Settings

Word uses styles to format text. If you apply a style that has specific font settings, it may override your manual formatting. To check which styles are being applied:

Go to the Home tab in the ribbon. Click on the small arrow in the bottom-right corner of the Styles group to open the Styles Pane. Review the applied styles and ensure none of them are causing the issue.

2. AutoCorrect Options

Word includes AutoCorrect features that may change formatting automatically. To manage these settings:

Go to File > Options. Select Proofing from the left-side menu. Click on AutoCorrect Options. Review and adjust the settings to prevent automatic changes.

3. Compatibility Mode

Working on a document created in an older version of Word in Compatibility Mode can lead to formatting issues. To convert the document to the latest format:

Go to File > Save As.... Select Word Document from the dropdown menu. Name your document and save it in the desired location.

4. Document Corruption

Sometimes, documents can become corrupted, leading to erratic behavior. Here’s how to test this:

Try copying the content to a new document. If the issue persists, the document is likely corrupted.

5. Keyboard Shortcuts

If you're accidentally hitting keyboard shortcuts, it might change your formatting. Be mindful of keys like Ctrl Shift or Ctrl , which adjust font size.

6. Add-ins or Macros

Some add-ins or macros might interfere with your formatting. Disable any unnecessary add-ins or check for macros that could be causing the issue. To disable add-ins:

Go to File > Manage. Select Add-ins. Under the Type dropdown, select All Add-ins. Uncheck any add-ins you want to disable and click Go.

7. Settings Reset

If all else fails, you might consider resetting Word settings to default. This can be done by renaming the rofile file, which forces Word to create a new one. To do this:

Close Word. Press Win R to open the Run dialog. Enter the following path: %AppData%MicrosoftWordSTARTUP. Copy the existing rofile file and rename it to . Restart Word to allow it to create a new rofile file.

Collaboration and Multiple Authors

Even with styles restricted and automatic updates turned off, using Microsoft’s collaborative tools can cause issues when multiple people are editing a document. This is especially true in teams. Here are some steps to mitigate this problem:

Ensure that all authors are using the same version of Word. Use a fixed template to maintain consistency. Regularly save and review the document to catch any unintended changes.

Conclusion

MS Word can be challenging, but by following these steps, you can significantly reduce the chances of encountering font and style issues. If the problem persists, consider seeking support from Microsoft or other technical forums for additional assistance.

Stay tuned for more tips and guides to help you navigate the complexities of MS Word and make the most of your document editing experience.