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3 min fix 4 min read Recently reviewedBeginner

By , IT support technician

Quick Answer

Open the Font dialog box, select your preferred font, click Set As Default, and choose All documents based on the Normal template.

How to Change the Default Font in Word or Outlook ​

Estimated Time to Fix: 3 minutes

Applies to: Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365, Word 2021, Word 2019), Outlook (new and classic)
Article Type: How-To
Last Updated: 2026-07-16

Summary ​

Set a new default font for all Word documents and Outlook emails so every new file and message starts with the font you prefer — no manual changes needed each time.

Prerequisites ​

  • Microsoft Word or Outlook (desktop version).

Instructions ​

1. Change the Default Font in Word ​

Set the font that every new document starts with.

  1. Open a new blank document in Word.
  2. Go to the Home tab and click the small arrow (⌄) in the bottom-right corner of the Font group to open the Font dialog. You can also press Ctrl + D.
  3. Select the font, size, and style you want as your default (for example, Calibri, 12pt, Regular).
  4. Click Set As Default in the bottom-left corner of the dialog.
  5. Select All documents based on the Normal template and click OK.

Every new document you create in Word now uses this font.

TIP

This changes the Normal template (Normal.dotm) that all new blank documents are based on. Documents you've already created aren't affected — only new ones going forward.

Note: If the font you want is missing from the list, it is not installed on this computer. You can add it yourself without an administrator password — see How to Install Fonts on Windows Without Admin Rights. Bear in mind that a font installed for your account alone is substituted on everyone else's machine, so pick a standard font for documents you send out.

2. Change the Default Font in New Outlook ​

Set the font for composing new emails in the new Outlook for Windows.

  1. Open new Outlook and click the gear icon (⚙️) (Settings) in the top-right corner.
  2. Go to Mail > Compose and reply.
  3. Under Message format, use the font toolbar to set your preferred font, size, and color.
  4. Click Save.

All new emails, replies, and forwards use this font.

3. Change the Default Font in Classic Outlook ​

Set the font for composing emails in classic Outlook.

  1. Open classic Outlook and go to File > Options > Mail.
  2. Click Stationery and Fonts.
  3. Under New mail messages, click Font to set the font for new emails.
  4. Select your preferred font, size, and style, then click OK.
  5. Optionally, repeat for Replying or forwarding messages if you want a different font for replies.
  6. Click OK to close all dialogs.

TIP

Many organizations set Calibri 11pt as the standard email font. If you're unsure what to choose, Calibri is a safe, professional default that displays consistently across devices.

4. Verify the Change ​

Confirm your new default font is active.

  1. In Word, create a new blank document (Ctrl + N) and check that your chosen font appears in the font selector on the Home tab.
  2. In Outlook, start composing a new email and verify the font matches your selection.

Troubleshooting ​

WARNING

If your default font reverts to Calibri after restarting Word, another add-in or template may be overriding your Normal.dotm file. See the troubleshooting table below.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
Default font resets after restarting WordAdd-in or policy overriding Normal.dotmClose Word. Navigate to %appdata%\Microsoft\Templates, rename Normal.dotm to Normal.old, and restart Word. Set the default font again.
"Set As Default" button doesn't appearDialog opened from a template other than NormalMake sure you're editing a new blank document (not one based on a custom template).
Outlook email font changes when replyingReply font set separately from new email fontIn classic Outlook, go to Stationery and Fonts and set the font for Replying or forwarding messages separately.
Recipients see a different font than you setRecipient's email client overrides your fontThis is normal — some email clients (like Gmail) apply their own default font to incoming messages. Your font choice controls what you see when composing.
Font not available in Outlook webCustom font not installed on the web platformOutlook on the web has a limited font selection. Choose a web-safe font like Calibri, Arial, or Verdana for consistent display.