Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: Modifying the Backup Copy File Name.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated January 14, 2023)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365
When you instruct Word to always make backup copies of your files, the backup files it creates differ from normal Word files in two ways. First, the filename extension is changed from DOCX or DOCM to WBK, and second, the words "Backup of" are added to the beginning of the filename. Thus, the backup copy of "MyDocument.docx" would be named "Backup of MyDocument.wbk."
For some people, it is an irritation to have Word add the "Backup of" prefix to backup files. It can make browsing through a folder display distracting as it creates quite a few files that all begin with the same letters.
Word does not provide a way that you can modify or remove this prefix from the filename. If you do most of your folder browsing in Word (for instance, in the Open dialog box), then there is something you can do to help alleviate the clutter caused by the backup files. All you need to do is make sure the Files of Type control, at the bottom of the Open dialog box, is set to Word Documents instead of one of the other options. This limits the display to only those files with names ending in DOCX or DOCM, which precludes any backup (WBK) files.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (10443) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Modifying the Backup Copy File Name.
Do More in Less Time! An easy-to-understand guide to the more advanced features available in the Microsoft 365 version of Word. Enhance the quality of your documents and boost productivity in any field with this in-depth resource. Complete your Word-related tasks more efficiently as you unlock lesser-known tools and learn to quickly access the features you need. Check out Microsoft 365 Word For Professionals For Dummies today!
When you choose to open a file, Word normally displays only those files that end with the .DOCX or .DOCM extensions. If ...
Discover MoreWhen you use Save As, it can be frustrating to be offered all sorts of locations in which to save your file. Fortunately, ...
Discover MoreVBA includes some commands that you can use to read information from text files (non-Word documents). These commands can ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Word that uses the ribbon interface (Word 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the menu interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here:
Comments