Change Default Picture Insert Location in Microsoft Word
Customizing the Default Picture Insertion Point in Word
By default, Microsoft Word directs users to the Pictures Library when inserting images into a document. However, it is possible to designate a different folder as the standard location that appears during picture insertion.
Specifying a Preferred Image Folder
If you routinely utilize a specific folder for storing images used in your Word documents, you can configure Word to automatically open to that location. For instance, if all screenshots for your articles are kept in a folder named "HTG Images," you can set this as the default picture folder. This functionality mirrors the process of setting a default save location within Word.
NOTE: This feature is available in Word 2016 and later versions.
Steps to Modify the Default Picture Location
To alter the default picture location in Word, begin by opening either an existing or a new document. Then, click on the "File" tab.
On the backstage screen, select "Options" from the list presented on the left-hand side.
Within the Word Options dialog box, click "Advanced" from the options displayed on the left.
Scroll down to the "General" section and click on "File Locations".
In the File Locations dialog box, select "Images" under the "File types" list, and then click "Modify".
Currently, the "Location for Images" field may be empty. If no location is specified, Word defaults to the Pictures Library, and also remembers the last folder accessed during a picture insertion session.
On the Modify Location dialog box, navigate to the folder you wish to use as your default Images folder and click "OK".
The complete path to the chosen folder will now be displayed under "Location for the Images" file type. Click "OK".
You will then be returned to the Word Options dialog box. Click "OK" to close it.
Using the New Default Location
Now, when you click "Pictures" on the Insert tab to insert a picture into your Word document…
…the Insert Picture dialog box will open directly to the folder you designated as the default Images location.
Understanding Folder Remembering Behavior
It's important to note a limitation regarding custom default image folders. Word retains the folder you last used when saving or opening documents within the current session. However, this behavior differs when a custom default image folder is set. Each time you insert a picture, the Insert Picture dialog box will consistently default to the folder you specified, rather than the most recently opened one.
To enable Word to remember the last folder used for picture insertion, you must remove the path from the "Location" column for the "Images" file type in the Modify Locations dialog box. Direct deletion of the path is not possible; the Registry Editor must be used to remove the corresponding entry.
Editing the Registry (Caution Advised)
Standard warning: The Registry Editor is a powerful tool, and improper use can lead to system instability. This process is relatively straightforward, but if you are unfamiliar with the Registry Editor, it is recommended to research its usage before proceeding. Back up the Registry and your computer before making any changes.
Open the Registry Editor by clicking on Start and typing regedit. Press Enter to launch the Registry Editor, or click on regedit under Best match.
NOTE: You may not see a dialog box, depending on your User Account Control settings.
In the tree structure on the left, navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Word\Options
Locate the PICTURE-PATH entry on the right. The value of this entry should correspond to the path you specified in the File Locations dialog box. Press the "Delete" key to remove the entry. Ensure you only delete the PICTURE-PATH entry, and not the entire Options key.
A confirmation dialog box will appear, asking if you are sure you want to delete the entry. Click "Yes".
Close the Registry Editor by selecting "Exit" from the "File" menu, or by clicking the "X" button in the upper-right corner of the window.
Alternatively, a downloadable registry hack is available to delete the "PICTURE-PATH" key. Extract the .zip file, double-click the .reg file, and follow the prompts.
Download the Delete the PICTURE-PATH Value registry hack.
If you are comfortable working with the Registry, consider learning how to create your own Registry hacks.