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When you start up Microsoft Office on your Mac, it may not automatically default to Word, instead opening another program like Excel or PowerPoint. This can be frustrating if you primarily use Word and want it to be the default program. Luckily, setting Word as your default on Mac is easy. In this blog post, we will go over several methods you can use to make Word your default program on a Mac.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Make Word My Default on Mac
One of the main reasons you would want to make Word your default program on your Mac is if you frequently work with documents and files in the program. With Word as your default, opening up a Word document becomes a seamless process. Additionally, if you’re used to keyboard shortcuts and other features in Word, having it as your default will save you time and effort.
Method 1: Using Finder
If you want to set Word as your default program using Finder, follow these steps:
1. Open Finder on your Mac.
2. Right-click on a Word document in your file explorer.
3. Select "Get Info" from the context menu.
4. In the "Get Info" window, expand the "Open with" section.
5. Select "Microsoft Word" from the dropdown list.
6. Click the "Change All" button.
7. In the pop-up window, select "Continue" to verify the change.
Pros:
– Simple and straightforward method.
– You only need to change the default program for one Word document, and it will change for all Word documents on your Mac.
Cons:
– Limited to changing the default for Word documents only.
Method 2: Using the “Open With” Menu
Another way to make Word your default program is by using the "Open with" menu. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Right-click on a Word document on your Mac.
2. From the context menu, select "Open with" and then "Other…"
3. In the "Choose Application" window, select "Microsoft Word" and click "Add."
4. Click the "Change All" button to make Word your default program.
Pros:
– Simple and easy to follow steps.
– You can change the default program for any file type, not just Word documents.
Cons:
– You need to repeat the process for each file type.
Method 3: Using System Preferences
You can also set Word as your default program through the System Preferences menu. Follow these steps:
1. Click on the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences."
2. Select "General."
3. In the "General" tab, look for "Default web browser" and click on the dropdown menu.
4. Select "Microsoft Word."
Pros:
– You can change the default program for multiple file types at once.
– Easy to access through the System Preferences menu.
Cons:
– Limited to specific file types that can be changed in the General tab of System Preferences.
Method 4: Via Terminal
If you prefer working with command-line utilities, you can use Terminal to set Word as your default program. Follow these steps:
1. Open Terminal on your Mac.
2. Type in the following command: defaults write com.apple.LaunchServices/com.apple.launchservices.secure.plist LSHandlers -array-add ‘{LSHandlerContentType= "com.microsoft.word.doc"; LSHandlerRoleAll= "com.microsoft.word";}’
3. Press "Enter" to execute the command.
4. Restart your Mac for the changes to take effect.
Pros:
– A good option for users who prefer command-line utilities.
Cons:
– May not be suitable for users who are not comfortable using Terminal.
– If not done correctly, it may cause issues.
What to Do If You Can’t Make Word My Default on Mac
If you’ve tried all the methods mentioned above and still can’t make Word your default program on your Mac, there are a few things you can try:
– Make sure you have the latest version of Microsoft Office installed on your computer.
– Try restarting your Mac and attempting to set Word as your default program again.
– If you’re using an older version of macOS, consider upgrading to the latest version.
– It’s possible there may be a bug in macOS or Microsoft Office that’s preventing you from making the change. In this case, you could reach out to Apple or Microsoft support for further assistance.
Bonus Tip
1. Consider creating a keyboard shortcut for Microsoft Word to save time opening the program.
2. Use the "Get Info" window to change the default program for multiple files at once.
3. Familiarize yourself with other keyboard shortcuts and features in Microsoft Word to maximize your productivity.
5 FAQs
Q1: Why can’t I change the default program for Word?
A: There may be several reasons why you can’t change the default program for Word on your Mac. Try the fixes mentioned in the "What to Do If You Can’t Make Word My Default on Mac" section of this article, or reach out to Apple or Microsoft support for further assistance.
Q2: Can I change the default program for multiple file types at once?
A: Yes, you can change the default program for multiple file types at once by using the "Get Info" window method or System Preferences method mentioned in this article.
Q3: Will changing the default program for Word affect my existing files and documents?
A: No, changing the default program for Word will not affect your existing files and documents. They will still open in the program they were originally created in.
Q4: Can I change the default program for Word on a specific user account?
A: Yes, you can change the default program for Word on a specific user account by following the methods mentioned in this article while logged in to that user account.
Q5: How can I undo the changes and set the original default program back?
A: If you want to undo the changes and set the original default program back, simply repeat the same steps for the relevant method, but select the original program from the "Open with" or "Default web browser" dropdown menu.
Final Thoughts
Setting Word as your default program on a Mac can save time and make opening Word documents a seamless process. With the methods outlined in this article, you should be able to change the default program for Word on your Mac with ease. If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to try the fixes mentioned or reach out to support for further assistance.