How to change date format in MS Word?

To change the date format in Microsoft Word, follow these steps depending on how the date was inserted:

---

🔹 If You Inserted the Date Using the "Insert Date" Field:

1. Place your cursor where you want the date (or select the existing date).

2. Go to Insert tab → click Date & Time (usually on the right side of the ribbon).

3. In the Date and Time dialog box:

   • Choose your preferred date format from the list.

   • (Optional) ✅ Check the box “Update automatically” if you want it to change daily.

4. Click OK.

---

🔹 If You Already Inserted a Date Field and Want to Reformat It:

1. Right-click on the date field (it should be grey if it's a field).

2. Click "Edit Field".

3. Under Field Properties, click the dropdown for Date formats.

4. Choose your desired format (e.g., 20 July 2025 or 07/20/2025).

5. Click OK.

---

🔹 To Set Default Date Format (System-Wide):

If you want Word to always use a specific date format, change it in Windows settings:

1. Go to Control Panel → Region or Region and Language.

2. Click the Formats tab.

3. Under Short Date or Long Date, select the desired format.

4. Click Apply → OK.

Word pulls date format defaults from your system’s region settings.

---