To change Compatibility Mode in Word for Windows while keeping the original, select File > Save As, give the copy a new name, choose Word Document, uncheck Maintain compatibility with previous versions of Word, and save. You can also convert the open document, change an older file’s format on Mac, or convert a .doc file in your browser.
The short version
- Keep the original: Save a newly named Word Document copy with the compatibility checkbox unchecked.
- Convert on Windows: Conversion can change layout, so retain an original copy before using File > Info > Convert.
- Change an older Mac file: Open Save As and choose Word Document (.docx).
- Set future saves: Change the default saving format for future documents, then convert existing documents separately.
| Your task | Where to start | What to remember |
|---|---|---|
| Save a separate copy | Windows File > Save As | Use a new name and uncheck the compatibility option |
| Reach the alternate saving workflow | Windows F12 or File > Save a Copy | Complete the same separate-copy steps |
| Convert the open document | Windows File > Info > Convert | Layout can change |
| Identify the compatibility version | Windows Check Compatibility | Inspect the marked version |
| Change a Mac file’s format | Mac File > Save As | Choose .docx or the older .doc format |
| Convert a .doc file online | Word for the web Edit in Browser | Conversion creates a new .docx copy |
| Convert through desktop Word | Web Editing > Open in Desktop App | Requires installed Windows desktop Word |
| Save an older Windows format | Windows Save As | Newer features can change or be lost |
| Change future saving defaults | Windows File > Options > Save | Existing documents still need conversion |
| Fix new blank documents | Windows default template Normal.dotm | Old customizations do not transfer automatically |
| Set a compatibility version with VBA | Desktop Word VBA procedure | Use a documented compatibility constant |
| Obtain administrative templates | Microsoft Download Center | Download Office ADMX/ADML files for administration |
Save a separate copy on Windows
Use this method in Word for Microsoft 365 or Word 2024 for Windows to keep the original while removing compatibility restrictions from a copy. It covers older .doc files and .docx files already in Compatibility Mode. The separate-copy, conversion, older-format saving, default-format, and compatibility-checking steps also apply to Word 2021, 2019, and 2016 for Windows.
Open the document and select File > Save As. Choose a folder and enter a new name in File name. In Save as type, select Word Document, then uncheck Maintain compatibility with previous versions of Word and select Save.
In Word for Microsoft 365 or Word 2024 for Windows, the saving menu may display Save a Copy; when it does, select File > Save a Copy. You can also press F12 to open Save As. Complete the same steps, including choosing a folder, entering a new filename, selecting Word Document, and unchecking the compatibility option before saving.
Convert the open document on Windows
Conversion can change the document’s layout, so use the separate-copy method first if you need to retain the original. Open your document and select File > Info > Convert. If a conversion alert appears, select OK, then save the document.
Check which compatibility version is marked
Before choosing a conversion method, you can inspect the document’s compatibility version in Word for Windows. Select File > Info > Check for Issues > Check Compatibility. Select Select versions to show and inspect the marked version.
Change an older document’s format on Mac
In Word for Microsoft 365 for Mac, Word 2024 for Mac, or Word 2021 for Mac, use Save As to move an older .doc document to the modern .docx format. Select File > Save As, or press Command + Shift + S, then give the copy a name. In File Format, choose Word Document (.docx) and select Save.
Convert a document in Word for the web
For an older .doc file, open the document in Word for the web and select Edit in Browser. When prompted, select Convert, then select Edit. Continue working in the new .docx copy; the original remains in the same folder.
For a compatibility-mode document you want to convert through installed Windows desktop Word, select Editing > Open in Desktop App. This takes you to desktop Word for the conversion.
Conversion can change the document’s layout, so save a separately named copy first if you need to retain the original. In Windows desktop Word, select File > Info > Convert, then select OK if a conversion alert appears. Press Ctrl + S to save back to the website.
Save a copy for older Word versions
Saving in the older .doc format can change or lose newer features, so give the copy a new name to retain the original. In Word for Windows, select File > Save As, choose a location, and enter a new File name. In Save as type, choose Word 97-2003 (.doc) and select Save. Review any compatibility warnings before proceeding.
In Word for Microsoft 365 for Mac, Word 2024 for Mac, or Word 2021 for Mac, select File > Save As and give the copy a name. In File Format, choose Word 97-2004 document (.doc), then select Save.
Change the default format for future documents
In Word for Windows, select File > Options > Save. Under Save documents, open Save files in this format and choose Word Document (*.docx). Select OK to apply the default.
This changes the saving default for future documents. Existing documents still require conversion, so use Convert or save a separate copy for a file already in Compatibility Mode.
Fix new blank documents opening in Compatibility Mode
If every new blank document starts in Compatibility Mode, replacing the default template can address the problem. Customizations from the old template do not transfer automatically, so retain that template by renaming it or moving it elsewhere.
Close Word and locate Normal.dotm. Microsoft gives the default Windows location as C:\Users\user name\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates. Rename the file to Normal-backup.dotm, or move it elsewhere.
Reopen Word and create a blank document. Word generates a fresh template.
Use advanced desktop tools
If you use VBA in desktop Word, you can explicitly set the active document’s compatibility version through a programming interface. In a Word VBA procedure, use this call for the latest mode, then save the document afterward.
ActiveDocument.SetCompatibilityMode wdCurrentFor a specific documented mode, replace wdCurrent with wdWord2003, wdWord2007, wdWord2010, or wdWord2013. Save the document after changing its mode.
If you administer Office and need its ADMX/ADML templates, open the Administrative Template files for Microsoft Office page in Microsoft Download Center. Select the required language, then select Download.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing the versions in Check Compatibility convert the document?
Changing the checker’s version filters does not convert your document. Those filters control which compatibility checks you view.
Can you run the VBA compatibility command in Word for the web?
Macros do not run in Word for the web. To use the VBA compatibility command, you need desktop Word with VBA available.
Do you need to download a tool for ordinary document conversion?
You do not need a download for ordinary document conversion. You can use Word’s built-in conversion or saving workflow.
Can you convert a .doc file stored in OneDrive or SharePoint?
Yes, the browser conversion workflow applies to .doc documents stored in OneDrive or SharePoint. Open the document in Word for the web to begin.
Which Office editions are listed for the administrative template download?
Microsoft lists Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, Office LTSC 2024, Office LTSC 2021, Office 2019, and Office 2016. You can obtain the Office ADMX/ADML templates from that download page.