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5 things Microsoft Word can automatically update for you

Microsoft Word can help you be efficient in using Microsoft Word? How to become a time-saving ninja using Microsoft Word? Here's how to become a time-saving ninja Over the years, Microsoft Word has become one of the best word processors in the world. I'm sure there are people out there who disagree, especially Linux or Mac folks who would really prefer... Read More You can automate a number of time-consuming processes, ensuring you spend less time gaming and more time typing.

Whether it's finding and replacing words, inserting an automatically updated date and time, or simply keeping your program up to date, we'll show you some of the things Word can automatically update for you.

If you have your own tip to share, be sure to let us know in the comments section below.

1. Date and time

It's very easy to insert the current date and/or time into your Word document and automatically update it each time the file is opened or printed. To do this, go to the Insert tab and then click Date and time , which can be found inside the Text category. A new window will open where you can select what kind of date and time format you want to insert in the document. Select one, then check Update automatically , then click OK .

5 things Microsoft Word can automatically update for you

Note that this field will not update in real time as you type. Instead, you need to click on the field and click Update . Note that every time someone opens the document, they will see the current date and time, not the one that was set when they saved it. If you don't want it to update automatically, click in the field and press Ctrl + Shift + F9 .

2. Spelling and grammar.

Who needs to bother learning how to spell things nowadays when we have spell checkers? How to check spelling and grammar in Microsoft Word? How to customize spelling and grammar? . You can even use AutoCorrect to speed up your typing. Read more ?

Word makes things even easier by automatically correcting a host of common mistakes, along with other helpful features like capitalizing words where appropriate and formatting symbols.

5 things Microsoft Word can automatically update for you

To adjust these settings, or enable them if you have them turned off, navigate to File> Options> Proofing> AutoCorrect Options... This will open a new window with multiple tabs. Each one is worth exploring to see what is possible. For example, the AutoCorrect The tab will allow you to add, edit and delete words that will be automatically corrected. Elsewhere, the Auto Format The tab will allow you to automatically create point lists or convert scripts to scripts.

3. Find and Replace

If there is a word or phrase that appears throughout your document that you now need to bulk replace, don't just read them individually and do it. Word can automatically update all instances for you. To get started, press Ctrl + H to open the Find and Replace window.

5 things Microsoft Word can automatically update for you

There are two fields to enter:Find what and Replace with . Put the existing word or phrase in the first and the replacement in the second. When you're ready, tap Replace All to change each instance or just Replace to take them in turn. You can also click More for more advanced options, such as match case, wildcards, and similar-sounding words.

4. Links to other files

Word works well with other Office programs and allows you to embed some of their elements in your documents. The best example of this is with Excel, which allows you to embed tables, charts, and more. How to Integrate Excel Data into a Word Document How to Integrate Excel Data into a Word Document During your work week, there are probably many more times. you find yourself copying and pasting information from Excel into Word, or the other way around. This is how people often produce written reports... Read More .

If you want, whenever you update that item in the other program, it can also be automatically updated within your Word document.

5 things Microsoft Word can automatically update for you

This feature can be found by going to File> Options> Advanced . Then scroll down to General heading and tick Update automatic links on open . Every time you open the document, Word will ask you if you want to update the linked items. This is extremely useful to ensure that your data stays in sync, but remember that you can simply uncheck this box if you don't want the automatic update to occur.

If you often use Excel alongside Word, be sure to check out our tips on must-have Word and Excel skills 5 Microsoft Word and Excel skills you must have to be successful in Office 5 Microsoft Word and Excel skills you must have to be successful in the office "Give me that report, ASAP!" A basic set of Microsoft Excel and Word tricks can make this task less stressful and help you prepare a stylish report in no time. Read more.

5. The program itself.

Microsoft Office 2016, the latest version of the suite, is automatically updated based on the update branch you are on. This is similar to how Windows 10 updates. Pros and cons of forced updates in Windows 10. Pros and cons of forced updates in Windows 10. Updates will change in Windows 10. Right now you can pick and choose. Windows 10, however, will force updates on you. It has benefits, like improved security, but it can also go wrong. What's more... Read More

The current branch is a monthly update with new features, security patches, and bug fixes. The current Business Branch provides the same every four months, allowing any issues to be resolved before they reach businesses.

5 things Microsoft Word can automatically update for you

To check your update settings, load Word and navigate to File>Account . From here, click Update Options Update Now button , Disable updates (although this is not recommended) and See updates to see the update history.

For more on all of this, check out our guide to Automatic Updates in Office 2016 Automatic Updates in Microsoft Office 2016 Automatic Updates in Microsoft Office 2016 Explained Microsoft Office 2016 will run an automatic update feature and a number of similar different service branches to Windows 10. Let's explore what that means for your Office 2016 installation. Read More .

Auto is better than manual

Automating as much as you can is great. Even if you're only saving a few seconds in the moment, if it's an action that's repeated often, that time will add up. Plus, it just makes life easier when you don't have to do things manually.

If you're looking for more great Word tips, be sure to check out our articles on Word features to make your life easier 10 Hidden Microsoft Word Features That Will Make Your Life Easier 10 Hidden Microsoft Word Features That Will Make Your Life Easier Microsoft Word it is deceptively simple. You're fine as long as you activate a document and just type. But Microsoft Word wouldn't be the Swiss knife without its productive features. More Information and Simple Word Tricks Everyone Can Do 10 Simple Microsoft Word Tricks Everyone Can Do 10 Simple Microsoft Word Tricks Everyone Can Do Our knowledge of Microsoft Word is tested every time we get a document to work on. Every little tip learned along the way helps. How about ten more hacks for your daily productivity? Read more . You'll become a word master in no time.

Do you use any of the above tips to save time in Word? Do you know of other things that can be automated in Word?