Make the family available
Microsoft’s desktop workflow adds a font by installing the downloaded font resource in the operating system. Reopen Word if it was already running, then find the family in its font list.
For the installation steps, use the Windows guide or Mac Font Book guide. Keep the source package rather than only a remembered family name.
Set the default on Windows
Open Home’s Font dialog launcher, or use Ctrl+D. Choose the family and size, then Set As Default. Select this document only or all documents based on the Normal template, and confirm.
On Mac, Microsoft documents Format > Font, choosing the default and confirming it. Use the instructions for your edition.
If the preference does not persist
Microsoft notes that template permissions or add-ins can affect a default. In a managed environment, identify the template or policy involved rather than repeatedly overriding the same setting.
Compare a new document with an existing one. Keep direct text formatting separate from the template’s intended hierarchy.
Check the document, not only the menu
Compare a heading, paragraph, table and italic phrase after a font change. Different spacing can alter the layout even when the nominal point size is unchanged.
Read typeface versus font and font pairing ideas when preparing a repeatable template.
Your questions, answered.
Does a new default change every old document?
The default scope is tied to the selected document or template. Review existing documents separately.
Why is my downloaded font missing from the list?
Make the font available to the desktop system, then reopen Word and check the family and style names.
Why does the default revert?
Microsoft identifies template permissions and add-ins as possible causes. Managed templates may need attention from their owner.
Sources & background
Sources supporting this page’s explanations. Practical examples are our editorial suggestions.