Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated January 14, 2023)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, Word in Microsoft 365, and 2021
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, Word in Microsoft 365, and 2021. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Modifying the Backup Copy File Name.
Create Custom Apps with VBA! Discover how to extend the capabilities of Office 2013 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access) with VBA programming, using it for writing macros, automating Office applications, and creating custom applications. Check out Mastering VBA for Office 2013 today!
Saving documents on a network drive can be convenient. It can also be frustrating if it seems like your changes aren't ...
Discover MoreIf you take some care when you name your document files, you'll find it much easier to manage those files at a later ...
Discover MoreWord allows you make two types of automatic backups of your documents. One is a copy of the file before you start making ...
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 © 2023 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments