In Microsoft Word 2010, new blank documents use a default template that stores built in styles, custom styles, macros, and other settings as you modify them. What is the name of this core template file?

Introduction / Context:
Microsoft Word 2010 is template based. Every new blank document is created from a template that defines default styles, page settings, and other behaviors. When you customize styles, create macros, or change default settings, many of these changes are stored in a single global template file. Knowing the name and purpose of this template is fundamental for troubleshooting, template management, and certification exams focused on Word configuration.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The question refers specifically to Word 2010, not earlier or later versions.
There is a default template used whenever you create a new, blank document using File New or Ctrl+N.
This template stores document defaults such as font, paragraph styles, toolbars, and macros that you choose to save globally.
The file extension for Word 2010 templates that can store macros is .dotm, while .dotx is used for templates without macros.
We need the file name of the standard global template that Word uses by default.

Concept / Approach:
In Word 2010, the global template that defines default settings for new documents is called Normal.dotm. It is usually stored in the user profile template folder and is loaded automatically when Word starts. Normal.dotm can contain styles, AutoText entries, macros, and other customizations. When users change default fonts or add global macros, these changes are often saved in this file. Other names such as Standard.dotm or Template.dotx are plausible sounding but do not correspond to the actual default template file used by Word.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Recall that Word 2010 uses dotx and dotm template formats. Dotm templates store macros, while dotx templates do not. 2. The global template that ships with Word, and that is recreated if deleted or renamed, is called Normal.dotm. 3. When you open Word and create a new blank document, that document is based on Normal.dotm unless you specify a different template. 4. When you change the default font or record a macro and choose to make it available to all documents, Word usually stores those settings in Normal.dotm. 5. Therefore, among the provided options, Normal.dotm is the correct name of the core global template file.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this behavior by locating the user templates folder, renaming Normal.dotm, and restarting Word. Word will create a fresh Normal.dotm with default settings, and new blank documents will reflect those defaults. Documentation and training materials for Word administration consistently refer to Normal.dotm as the global template.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Standard.dotm is not the reserved name for the default global template; it is just a generic sounding file name and is not created by Word automatically.
Empty.dotx suggests a basic template without macros, but Word does not ship with this as the primary global template for new documents.
Template.dotx is also not a standard file name in the default configuration of Word and would only exist if created manually.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse Normal.dotm with document templates they create themselves. Another common mistake is assuming that template names must use dotx because many environments disable macros, but Word still uses the dotm file extension for its global defaults. Understanding the role of Normal.dotm is important when troubleshooting corrupted settings or when migrating customizations between machines.

Final Answer:
The default global template in Word 2010 that stores styles, macros, and settings is named Normal.dotm.