How To Change Default Microsoft Office Version

Are you tired of using the same version of Microsoft Office? Want to explore the new features and improvements in the latest version? Changing the default Microsoft Office version can be a game-changer for your productivity. By switching to a newer version, you can benefit from enhanced functionality, better performance, and increased compatibility with other software.

To change the default Microsoft Office version, you need to follow a few simple steps. First, ensure that you have the latest version of Office installed on your computer. Next, open any Microsoft Office application, such as Word or Excel. Then, go to the "File" tab and select "Account." Here, you will find the "Office Updates" section, where you can choose to update to the latest version or change the default version. By selecting the desired version, you can smoothly transition to a new and improved Microsoft Office experience.

Understanding Default Microsoft Office Version

Microsoft Office is a suite of productivity applications that includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more. When you install Microsoft Office on your computer, a default version is set for each application. The default version is the one that opens automatically when you double-click on a file of that particular type. However, there may be instances where you want to change the default version of Microsoft Office. This could be because you have multiple versions of Office installed on your computer or because you have upgraded to a newer version and want to make it the default.

Why Change the Default Microsoft Office Version?

Changing the default Microsoft Office version can be beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, it allows you to work with the latest features and improvements offered by the newer version. By setting the newer version as the default, you can ensure that all your files open in the most up-to-date application. Secondly, changing the default version can save you time and effort. If you find yourself constantly manually opening files in a specific version of Office, setting that version as the default eliminates the need for repetitive actions. Additionally, changing the default version can enhance compatibility with colleagues, clients, or partners who might be using a different version of Office.

It's important to note that changing the default Microsoft Office version requires administrative access to your computer. You may need to consult with your IT department or system administrator if you don't have the necessary permissions. Once you have the appropriate access, you can follow the steps outlined below to change the default version of Microsoft Office.

Step 1: Identifying the Current Default Version

The first step in changing the default Microsoft Office version is to identify the current default. This will help you ensure that you're making changes to the correct version. Here's how to identify the current default version:

• Open any Microsoft Office application, such as Word or Excel.
• Click on the "File" tab in the top-left corner of the application.
• Click on "Options" or "Word Options" (for Word) at the bottom of the left-hand menu.
• In the options menu, click on "Advanced" or "General" (for Word).
• Scroll down until you find the "General" or "Default programs" section.
• Look for the option that says "Choose the default application for opening files" or something similar.

The application listed in this option is the current default Microsoft Office version. Make a note of it before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Changing the Default Microsoft Office Version

Once you have identified the current default version, you can proceed to change it to a different version. Follow these steps to change the default Microsoft Office version:

Step	Instructions
1	Click on the "Start" menu.
2	Search for "Default apps" in the search bar.
3	Click on "Default apps settings" from the search results.
4	In the "Default apps" settings window, scroll down and find the "Office" section.
5	Click on the dropdown menu under "Choose default apps by file type."
6	Locate the file type extension associated with the Office application you want to change the default version for (e.g., .docx for Word).
7	Select the desired Office application from the available options.
8	Close the "Default apps" settings window.

After completing these steps, the selected Office application will become the default version for the associated file types. Repeat these steps for each Office application you want to change the default version for.

Step 3: Verifying the Changes

Once you have changed the default Microsoft Office version, it's important to verify that the changes have been applied successfully. Here's how to verify the changes:

• Open any file associated with the Office application you changed the default version for. For example, if you changed the default version for Word, open a .docx file.
• Ensure that the file opens in the newly set default version of the Office application.
• If the file opens in the desired version, the changes have been successfully applied. If not, review the previous steps and ensure that you followed them correctly.

By following these steps, you can easily change the default Microsoft Office version and ensure that your files open in the desired application. Remember, administrative access may be required to modify the default version, so consult with your IT department or system administrator if needed.

Exploring Additional Methods to Change Default Microsoft Office Version

While the previous section outlined how to change the default Microsoft Office version using the default apps settings in Windows, there are other methods you can explore. Here are some additional methods to consider:

Method 1: Using the Control Panel

The Control Panel in Windows provides an alternative way to change the default Microsoft Office version. Here's how you can do it:

• Open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu.
• Click on "Default Programs" or "Default Programs > Set your default programs."
• In the list of programs, locate the Office application you want to change the default version for (e.g., Microsoft Word).
• Select the Office application and click on "Set this program as default" or "Choose defaults for this program."
• Click "OK" to save the changes.

Using the Control Panel allows you to change the default Microsoft Office version in a more traditional way. However, it's essential to note that the Control Panel method may vary slightly depending on the version of Windows you are using.

Method 2: Changing File Associations

Another method to change the default Microsoft Office version is by modifying file associations. File associations determine which application opens when you double-click on a file. Here's how you can change file associations:

• Right-click on a file of the type you want to change the default version for (e.g., a Word document).
• Click on "Open with" from the context menu.
• Select "Choose another app" or "Choose another default program."
• In the window that appears, choose the desired Office application from the list of available options.
• Enable the checkbox that says "Always use this app to open .[file extension] files" or something similar.
• Click "OK" to save the changes.

Modifying file associations allows you to specify which Office application opens when you double-click on a file. By setting the desired Office application as the default for specific file types, you can effectively change the default Microsoft Office version.

Method 3: Using the Office Application Options

Each Microsoft Office application has its own set of options that allow you to customize its behavior. Some Office applications provide the option to change the default version directly from within the application itself. Here's a general outline of how you can access the application options:

Application	Steps to Access Options
Microsoft Word	Click on "File" > "Options" > "General" > Scroll down to the "Start up options" section > Select the desired version from the "Default file format" dropdown menu.
Microsoft Excel	Click on "File" > "Options" > "Save" > In the "Save workbooks" section, select the desired version from the "Default file format" dropdown menu.
Microsoft PowerPoint	Click on "File" > "Options" > "Save" > In the "Save presentations" section, select the desired version from the "Save files in this format" dropdown menu.

Note that the specific steps to access the options may vary slightly depending on the version of the Office application you are using. Consult the application's help documentation or the Office website for more detailed instructions.

Method 4: Uninstalling Previous Versions

If you have multiple versions of Microsoft Office installed on your computer and want to set the latest version as the default, you can consider uninstalling the previous versions. Here's how you can uninstall previous versions of Microsoft Office:

• Click on the "Start" menu.
• Search for "Control Panel" and open it.
• In the Control Panel, click on "Programs" or "Programs > Programs and Features."
• Scroll through the list of installed programs and locate the previous versions of Microsoft Office.
• Right-click on the old version and select "Uninstall."
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.

By uninstalling previous versions of Microsoft Office, you can ensure that the latest version remains as the default, simplifying your workflow.

Conclusion

Changing the default Microsoft Office version gives you control over which application opens when you double-click on Office files. Whether it's upgrading to a newer version or ensuring compatibility with colleagues or clients, switching the default version can enhance your productivity and streamline your workflow. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily change the default Microsoft Office version and enjoy the benefits of working with the latest features and improvements.

Changing the Default Microsoft Office Version

If you have multiple versions of Microsoft Office installed on your computer, you may want to change the default version that opens when you click on Office files. This can be particularly useful if you prefer using a specific version or if you want to ensure compatibility with other users.

To change the default Office version:

• Open any Office application, such as Word or Excel.
• Click on the "File" tab at the top-left corner of the application.
• Select "Options" from the dropdown menu.
• In the "General" section, look for the "Default apps" or "Default programs" option.
• Click on the "Set defaults by app" or "Set your default programs" link.
• Find the Office version you want to set as the default and click on it.
• Click on the "Set this program as default" or similar option.
• Finally, click on the "OK" or "Apply" button to save the changes.

Your selected Microsoft Office version will now be set as the default for opening Office files on your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to using Microsoft Office, it's important to have the version that best fits your needs. However, changing the default version of Microsoft Office can be confusing for some users. To help you navigate this process, here are some frequently asked questions about changing the default Microsoft Office version.

1. How do I change the default Microsoft Office version?

To change the default Microsoft Office version, follow these steps:

1. Open any Office application, such as Word or Excel.

2. Click on the "File" tab or the Office logo in the top left corner.

3. In the menu that appears, click on "Options."

4. In the Options window, click on "General" or "Language."

5. Look for the option that allows you to change the default version and select the desired version.

6. Click on "OK" or "Apply" to save the changes.

2. Can I have multiple versions of Microsoft Office installed on my computer?

Yes, it is possible to have multiple versions of Microsoft Office installed on your computer. However, only one version can be set as the default. You can choose to launch different versions of Office for different tasks or keep the most recent version as the default.

If you have multiple versions installed, you can switch between them by following the same steps mentioned in the previous question. Simply select the desired version as the default.

3. Will changing the default Microsoft Office version affect my existing documents?

No, changing the default Microsoft Office version will not affect your existing documents. The version change only applies to new documents that you create going forward. Your previous documents will still open in the version they were created in, unless you manually convert them to the new version.

It's a good idea to make sure you have compatibility between different Office versions to ensure seamless document sharing and editing.

4. Is it possible to revert back to the previous default version?

Yes, you can revert back to the previous default version of Microsoft Office by following the same steps mentioned in the first question. Simply select the desired version as the default once again.

Keep in mind that changing the default version multiple times may cause confusion, so it's recommended to choose the version that best suits your needs and stick with it.

5. Can I change the default Microsoft Office version for specific file types?

Yes, you can change the default Microsoft Office version for specific file types. This allows you to open certain file types with a different version of Office than the default.

To do so, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the file with the specific file type.

2. Select "Open With" from the drop-down menu.

3. Choose the desired version of Office from the list of programs.

4. Check the box that says "Always use this app to open .[file type] files" to set the chosen version as the default for that file type.

5. Click on "OK" to save the changes.

Repeat these steps for each file type you want to associate with a different version of Office.

Changing the default Microsoft Office version is a simple and straightforward process. By following a few easy steps, you can ensure that your preferred Office version is always the one that launches.

First, open any Office application and click on "File" in the top left corner. Next, select "Options" from the menu that appears. In the Options window, click on "General" in the left-hand sidebar. Finally, locate the section titled "Startup options" and choose your desired Office version from the drop-down menu next to "Office Theme." Click "OK" to save your changes, and from now on, the selected version will be your default.