Set default compatibility mode on file creation

This policy setting allows you to specify the default compatibility mode when creating new files in Word. There are four modes:

1. Word 2003: This mode disables features in Word that are not compatible with Word 2003.
2. Word 2007: This mode disables features in Word that are not compatible with Word 2007.
3. Word 2010: This mode disables features in Word that are not compatible with Word 2010.
4. Full functionality mode: This mode ensures that all new features remain enabled. This is the default setting for Word.

Note: Not all file formats support all four Compatibility Modes. Open XML file formats such as .docx and .dotx, support all four modes.

Supported on: At least Windows 7




  1. Word 2003
    Registry HiveHKEY_CURRENT_USER
    Registry Pathsoftware\policies\microsoft\office\16.0\word\options
    Value Namecompatmode
    Value TypeREG_DWORD
    Value11
  2. Word 2007
    Registry HiveHKEY_CURRENT_USER
    Registry Pathsoftware\policies\microsoft\office\16.0\word\options
    Value Namecompatmode
    Value TypeREG_DWORD
    Value12
  3. Word 2010
    Registry HiveHKEY_CURRENT_USER
    Registry Pathsoftware\policies\microsoft\office\16.0\word\options
    Value Namecompatmode
    Value TypeREG_DWORD
    Value14
  4. Full functionality mode
    Registry HiveHKEY_CURRENT_USER
    Registry Pathsoftware\policies\microsoft\office\16.0\word\options
    Value Namecompatmode
    Value TypeREG_DWORD
    Value15


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