Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, and 2013. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: Setting Default Print Margins.
When you first start Excel, the blank workbook that is opened has specific default values set. One of those defaults is the page margins, used when you print the worksheet. If you want to change the default page margins, you can do so by following these steps:
That's it. Now, any time you create a new workbook, Excel uses your template (Book.xltx or Book.xltm) as its model for what you want.
If you are unsure of where the XLStart folder is located (step 7), use Windows to search for the folder. Its exact location can vary depending on how Excel was installed on your machine, as well as the version you are using. You should note that if you are using Excel in a networked environment, you may not have the proper permissions to modify or save anything in the XLStart folder on the server. In that case, you should talk to your network administrator to see if you can save your workbook in the proper place.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (7011) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, and 2013. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Setting Default Print Margins.
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2016-04-07 11:19:48
Richard Wheeler
Windows 10 won't let me save to XLstart. How do I change that.
2016-04-07 11:06:33
Christian GURY
As I spent a lot of time to find the exact place of these files, I wish to share with you where they are located in my specific configuration (Microsoft Office Professional Plus 13) :
C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficeOffice15XLSTART
If this can help someone, I will be happy ...
2015-06-10 21:51:31
Mark
FANTASTIC have been looking to make this change for ages!!
2014-06-12 06:15:03
Judy
Thanks for this tip. It really works! I've been trying to find a way to set default margins for ages.
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Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, and 2013. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: 
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