Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchIf your Word templates are missing from File > New > Personal (sometimes labeled Custom), Word for Windows may simply be looking in a different folder. Set the correct folder under File > Options > Save; the templates may still be on your PC even if the Personal list is empty.
First, identify which kind of template is missing
Word has two separate features that can both be called “templates.” The right fix depends on where you expect to find yours.
| What you want to do | Word feature | Where to configure it | How it persists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start a new document from your own template | Personal or Custom templates | Default personal templates location under File > Options > Save | Word uses the configured personal-template folder. |
| Use a template’s features while working in documents, such as styles or macros | Global template or add-in | File > Options > Add-Ins > Manage: Word Add-ins > Go | A manually loaded template stays loaded for the current Word session; use the Startup folder for availability whenever Word starts. |
If the template is missing from File > New, use the Personal/Custom instructions below—not the Add-Ins screen.
Make personal templates appear under File > New
These steps apply to Word desktop for Windows. Microsoft says templates created in an earlier version of Microsoft 365 may still be present but are not shown by default. Its instructions use %appdata%MicrosoftTemplates as the folder to inspect. Microsoft Support: Where are my custom templates?
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
- Press Windows key + R, enter
%appdata%MicrosoftTemplates, and press Enter. - In File Explorer, check the folder that opens. Copy its actual address from the address bar; use that folder path for the next step.
- Open Word and go to File > Options > Save.
- Under Save documents, enter the copied path in Default personal templates location, then select OK.
- Go to File > New and check the Personal tab. Depending on the Word version, the tab may be labeled Custom.
Microsoft says to repeat the location setting in each Office program where you want those templates to appear. This is a Windows desktop fix; Microsoft notes that its saving instructions may differ for Word for Mac and Word for the web.
Confirm the file is a Word template
A file saved as a regular .docx is a document, not one of Word’s personal-template file types. For the Personal/Custom list, check that the file uses a template extension:
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
.dotx— Word template..dot— Word template in the older format..dotm— macro-enabled Word template.
Microsoft’s instructions for saving a Word document as a template cover these formats and apply to Word desktop for Windows; the steps may differ on Mac or the web. Microsoft Support: Save a Word document as a template
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Load a global template or add-in while editing
Use this route only if you want a template’s features available while working in documents based on other templates. On Word for Windows desktop, open File > Options > Add-Ins. Beside Manage, choose Word Add-ins, select Go, then open the Templates tab. If the template is not listed, select Add and browse to its folder.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsRank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
A template loaded this way remains loaded for the current Word session only. To have it available whenever Word starts, find the Startup folder through File > Options > Advanced > File Locations and save the template there. Microsoft documents these steps for Word desktop; Mac and web steps may differ. Microsoft Support: Load or unload a template or add-in program
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
If the Personal or Custom list is still empty
- Verify that the path in Default personal templates location is the actual folder containing the template files, not a different folder.
- Check that the files use
.dotx,.dot, or.dotm, rather than.docx. - Confirm you are checking File > New > Personal or Custom, not the global templates list under Add-Ins.
- If you use Word for Mac or Word for the web, do not assume the Windows folder path or menu steps apply; the cited Microsoft instructions say platform steps can differ.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
