How to Fix Word or Excel When it Saves the Wrong Default File Type
Microsoft Word and Excel are essential applications used by millions of people worldwide. These applications allow users to create, edit, and share documents and spreadsheets with ease.
Sometimes users face the problem of Word or Excel saving the wrong default file type. This can be frustrating and can cause issues when trying to share documents with others. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the reasons why this happens and provide solutions on how to fix it.
Why Do Word and Excel Save the Wrong Default File Type?
Although Word and Excel are some of the most widely used software applications in the world, they can cause users frustration when they save the wrong default file type. Here are some of the reasons why this might happen:
Accidental changes to the default file format
One of the most common reasons why Word or Excel may save the wrong default file type is when a user accidentally changes the default file format. This can happen when you open a document or spreadsheet in a different file format and then save it.
The result is that the default file format changes to the format of the document or spreadsheet that was just saved. This can cause confusion, especially if you’re used to saving files in a particular format.
Updates to the software
Sometimes updates to the software can also cause the default settings to change, including file formats. When the software is updated, the default settings may be reset to the new default file format.
Multiple Versions of Microsoft Office
Another reason why Word or Excel may save the wrong default file type is when a user has multiple versions of Microsoft Office installed on their computer. This can cause the default file format to change when switching between different versions of the software. If you save a file in one version of the software and then open it in another version, the default file format may be changed.
How Can You Change the Default File Format in Word and Excel?
If Word or Excel is saving the wrong default file type, the first solution is to change the default file format. Here are the steps to do this in Word or Excel:
- Step 1: Go to the “File” menu and select “Options”. This will open the Options dialog box.
- Step 2: Click on “Save” in the left-hand menu. This will open the Save options.
- Step 3: Under “Save documents” or “Save workbooks”, select the desired file format from the drop-down menu. For example, if you want to save Word documents as .docx files, select “Word Document (*.docx)”.
- Step 4: Click “OK” to save the changes. This will ensure that all documents or spreadsheets are saved in the correct format moving forward.
By changing the default file format, you can avoid the frustration of Word or Excel saving the wrong default file type. However, it is important to note that this will only affect files that are saved after the changes have been made.
Existing files will still be saved in their original format unless they are manually converted to the new format. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of any updates or changes to the software that may affect the default settings, including file formats. By staying informed and making necessary changes, you can ensure that Word and Excel continue to work smoothly and efficiently.
Checking for Updates
Another solution to this problem is checking for updates to the software. Microsoft regularly releases updates that can fix bugs and improve the performance of the software.
To check for updates in Word or Excel, go to the “File” menu and select “Account”. Then, click on “Update Options” and select “Update Now”. Follow the prompts to install any available updates. This will ensure that the software is running the latest version and will prevent any errors or issues that may arise from outdated software.
Uninstalling Multiple Versions of Microsoft Office
If you have multiple versions of Microsoft Office installed on your computer, it can cause confusion and lead to the default file format changing. To fix this, uninstall any unnecessary versions of the software.
To do this, go to the “Control Panel” and select “Programs and Features”. Find the version of Microsoft Office that is not needed and select “Uninstall”. This will ensure that there is only one version of Microsoft Office installed on the computer and prevent any confusion or errors.
Resetting the Software to Default Settings
If none of the above solutions work, resetting the software to default settings may help. This will erase any custom settings or changes made to the software and restore it to its original state.
To do this, go to the “File” menu and select “Options”. Then, click on “Advanced” and scroll down to the “Reset” section. Click on “Reset” and follow the prompts to reset the software. This will ensure that any issues or errors that may have arisen from custom settings are resolved, and the software is running in its original state.
Get Expert IT Support
Having Word or Excel save the wrong default file type can be frustrating, but there are solutions to fix it. By changing the default file format, checking for updates, uninstalling unnecessary versions of the software, or resetting the software to default settings, you can avoid this issue in the future.
If you need additional advice or assistance, book a call with Skyline IT Management to take advantage of our services and ensure your software is running optimally.
