Password-restricted Word document displaying oddly after updating to Version 2508 (Build 19127.20222)

Question

Countless others and I within my organization have been using the exact same Word document for over 10 years. It is password restricted so formatting can't be altered. It mostly contains legacy Text Box Form Fields and Check Box Form Fields separated into tables to keep everything grouped and aligned. It is not macro-enabled so there is no VB code involved. After updating to the latest version of office (I always click update when I get the pop up) all the sudden this form is opening with the formatting all over the place. Some words are pushed all the way to the edge of the page so they're barely readable. Previously when blank, the document would take up one page but now even blank it takes up almost 2 full pages because the table formatting is so messed up. Is anyone else experiencing this issue? It makes our forms so much more difficult to read that it slows down our process significantly.

Answer 1

Hi @Carlson. Dominick, 

Thanks a lot for getting back with the version and channel details. Since you are on Current Channel with Version 2508 (Build 19127.20222), that lines up with other reports we’ve started seeing where older documents that rely on legacy form fields and tables are not displaying as expected. 

As you tested the layout option changes and also confirmed that a newer revision of your form is opening fine. That points strongly to this being a regression in how the latest build handles legacy formatting, rather than an issue with your specific environment. 

I understand the IT department may not allow a rollback, but if you are able to push back and test on Version 2507 or earlier, that would give a clear answer as to whether the issue is build-specific. In the meantime, the recommended options would be: 

• Continue using the newer revision of the form where possible, since it opens correctly. 
• Ask your IT department if they can consider moving affected users to Monthly Enterprise Channel or Semi-Annual Channel, which are slower to update and usually avoid regressions like this. 

I encourage you to submit this feedback directly through Outlook by selecting Help > Feedback > Suggest a Feature or submitting your feedback through the Microsoft Feedback Hub.  Microsoft actively reviews user input to guide future updates, and your voice helps shape the product. Your observation highlights a real-world usability concern, and feedback like yours helps us better understand how Word can evolve to meet user expectations. 

 

I know this isn't the answer you were hoping for, and I want you to know that I wish I had a way to change it for you directly. As a moderator of Q&A forum, my ability to assist is with the existing product functionality, and the power to influence its design rests entirely with our product development team. 

Sharing your experience through this channel is the most impactful way to advocate for a change that would benefit you and other users.  

Additionally, if you find my answer helpful, please consider marking it as accepted. This way, other community members who face the same concern will see it more easily and can also share their feedback to strengthen the request. 

Please do keep me updated if you manage to roll back and confirm the formatting returns to normal. That result will help guide whether the best course is staying on an earlier build, adjusting update channels, or waiting for a fix from Microsoft.

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Answer 2

Hi @Carlson. Dominick, 

Good day! Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum and sharing the detail. 

Thanks for sharing the detailed description of what you are experiencing. I understand how disruptive it can be when a form that has worked for years suddenly breaks after an update. I’d like to narrow this down a bit so could you please confirm with me: 

1. Please open Word, go to File > Account, and look at the information under About Word. Could you let me know both the version/build number and the update channel shown there (for example, Current Channel, Monthly Enterprise, or Semi-Annual Enterprise)? This helps confirm if the issue is linked to the most recent channel update. 
2. As a test, you can roll back Office to the previous version to see if the formatting looks normal again. To do this:  
   • Close all Office applications. 
   • Open Command Prompt as Administrator. 
   • Run the following command: 

 cd %programfiles%\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\ClickToRun 
officec2rclient.exe /update user updatetoversion=16.0.19014.20000 

• (this number is an example of a previous build; running the rollback will put you on the earlier release). 
• Please note that this method requires admin rights and is best done with IT support if you're in a managed environment. Additionally, you can open this Word document on a computer that still has an older version of Office to see if the formatting displays correctly. 

1. In case you cannot roll back, another thing you can try is adjusting layout options inside the affected version. Go to File > Options > Advanced > Layout Options for [document name] and test toggling settings such as “Don’t use HTML paragraph auto spacing.” In some cases, this helps restore how legacy tables and form fields are rendered.
   

Kindly proceed with the steps outlined above and share the results when you're able. Once we determine whether the formatting issue resolves on the earlier build, I’ll be able to guide you on the best course of action — whether that means staying on the current version temporarily, switching to a more stable update channel, or escalating the matter to Microsoft as a potential regression.

Note: Please understand that our initial response does not always resolve the issue immediately. However, with your help and more detailed information, we can work together to find a right way.  

Thank you for your patience and collaboration throughout this troubleshooting process. I'm happy to help with any additional questions or concerns you may have.

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