Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: Sending Drawing Objects to the Back or Front.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated September 8, 2020)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016
When you create objects in a document using the drawing tools available in Word, each object is drawn on its own layer. This means all objects are independent and can be moved on top of other objects. However, there may be times when you actually want an object to be under another object. You can do this by following these steps:
- Click once on the shape you want to send to the back. Small square boxes, called handles, appear around the shape.
- Make sure that the Format tab is selected on the ribbon. (This tab is only visible when a shape is selected.)
- In the Arrange group, click Send to Back or Bring to Front, as desired.
If the Send to Back to Bring to Front options are grayed out (step 3), the most likely culprit is that the image is inline, which means it is on the same layer as the text in your document. You can only arrange the layering on objects that are not inline.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training.
(Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.)
This tip (5992) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Sending Drawing Objects to the Back or Front.
Author Bio
With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. Learn more about Allen…
MORE FROM ALLEN
Center-column Footnotes
Ever want to change the formatting of your footnotes? This tip explains what you can and can’t do in Word.
Discover More
Duplicating Drawing Objects
Need to duplicate a drawing object? It’s easy to do if you use the same editing techniques you are already familiar with.
Discover More
Making Custom Heading Styles Appear in the Navigation Pane
Creating styles for your documents is a powerful way to format them. How do you get paragraphs formatting with those …
Discover More
More WordTips (ribbon)
Creating a Drawing Object
Word documents can contain more than just words�»»they can also contain drawing objects such as lines and simple shapes. …
Discover More
Drawing Lines
Lines are one of the most common graphic elements to be added to documents. Here’s how you can add the lines you want.
Discover More
Rotating a Drawing Object
You can add all sorts of drawing objects to a document. Once placed, you can then rotate them to your heart’s content. …
Discover More
Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply
ask a new question.
«Send backward» and «Send to back» not working in Pages
I’m attempting something I’ve done hundreds of times: I’ve imported my signature into a document as a jpg. I’m trying to send it to the back so that the typed text can flow partially over it and look normal. However, this time, the «Send backward» and «Send to back» options are not available. Any clues? Thanks for your help!
MacBook
Pro,
macOS Sierra (10.12.4)
Posted on Sep 5, 2017 2:09 PM
Larry Israel wrote:
Hmmm. An update must have come in changing functionality as this is something I’ve been able to do forever.
I did follow your directions, and found that these were already the settings for this graphic. It is still blocking the text around it. Nothing is wrapping, as instructed, but it makes the text above and below invisible.
Thank you, Peter!
That «update» happened with Pages 5 almost 4 years ago. Pages ’09 works.
OK now you have clarified what you want.
Your jpeg has a white background.
Open in Preview App:
Toolbar > click on Toolbox icon > Magic Wand (2nd icon on left in lower row) > drag across the white area > delete
Preview will now change the file type to png with a transparency alpha channel.
Drag that back into Pages.
Peter
Posted on Sep 6, 2017 1:39 PM
«Send backward» and «Send to back» not working in Pages
|
12-21-2013, 05:11 PM |
|||
|
|||
|
Word 2013 Shift + F5 Go back not working I need to move back and forth between places I’ve edited in a document. Shift + F5 is not working for returning to the previous edit. I researched this quite a bit and concluded that it is a known and unsolvable problem in Word 2013 and maybe earlier versions. It worked fine in my Word 2003. This is an extreme inconvenience in my work. I work with documents up to 150 pages and need to easily navigate between edits. Does anyone know of a solution? Thank you.
|
|
12-22-2013, 06:08 AM |
||||
|
||||
|
Within a document, within a Word session, Shift+F5 should let you move between the most recent edit points. The shortcut no longer works reliably after you save, close and reopen the document. MVP Graham Mayor has suggested the following set of macros to fix the problem: Code: Sub FileSave()
On Error Resume Next
ActiveDocument.Bookmarks.Add Range:=Selection.Range, name:="OpenAt"
ActiveDocument.Save
End Sub
Sub FileSaveAs()
On Error Resume Next
ActiveDocument.Bookmarks.Add Range:=Selection.Range, name:="OpenAt"
Dialogs(wdDialogFileSaveAs).Show
End Sub
Sub AutoOpen()
If ActiveDocument.Bookmarks.Exists("OpenAt") = True Then
ActiveDocument.Bookmarks("OpenAt").Select
End If
End Sub
Store the macros in the Normal template. For assistance, see http://www.gmayor.com/installing_macro.htm.
__________________
|
|
12-22-2013, 08:24 AM |
|||
|
|||
|
«Within a document, within a Word session, Shift+F5 should let you move between the most recent edit points.» I assure you, it does not. It doesn’t work at all, ever. This function is so crucial to people who work with long documents. Why has Microsoft not addresses this in all these years? I have no ability at all to work with macros, don’t even know what one is.
|
|
12-22-2013, 08:54 AM |
||||
|
||||
|
Shift+F5 does work for me. Have you verified that the shortcut is assigned to the GoBack command (look in the Customize Keyboard dialog box)? Also, note that an actual edit must be done; just looking at text, or selecting it, won’t suffice.
__________________
|
|
12-22-2013, 09:10 AM |
|||
|
|||
|
Yes, shift F5 is currently an assigned shortcut for Go Back Yes I know that the document must be edited. I worked successfully with Shift F5 in Word 2003.
|
|
12-22-2013, 11:32 AM |
||||
|
||||
|
The next step is to troubleshoot for poorly designed add-ins. See http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/su…104011864.aspx. Please note that the headline is misleading, because the article isn’t all about starting Office applications; it deals with problems running Office as well.
__________________
|
|
12-22-2013, 12:02 PM |
|||
|
|||
|
I did find another keyboard shortcut that works for Go Back: Alt Control Z. This is listed along with Shift F5 among the shortcuts. The problem seems to be specifically with the function key, as Alt and Control are both working normally.
|
|
12-22-2013, 12:24 PM |
||||
|
||||
|
Quote: I did find another keyboard shortcut that works for Go Back: Alt Control Z. This is listed along with Shift F5 among the shortcuts. The problem seems to be specifically with the function key, as Alt and Control are both working normally. OK, this may be a programmable keyboard interfering, as I suggested earlier.
__________________
|
Ctrl + Z is the keyboard shortcut for undoing the recent operations/ tasks on Microsoft Word and other spreadsheet programs. Whenever you mistakenly delete a sentence from your word document via the backspace key, you can reinstate it by simply using this shortcut.
However, it’s not that simple once the keyboard shortcut tends to stop working due to system glitches or customization issues on Microsoft Word.
If you’re also the victim of keyboard shortcuts that stopped working on Microsoft word (irrespective of the Office application version), read this article till the end. You will manage to resolve the issue effortlessly.
Let’s start fixing keyboard shortcuts.
Check out our separate post on how to insert word page numbers in MS Word.
How to Fix Ctrl + Z not Responding in Microsoft Word
Corrupted directory files of Microsoft Office applications mainly trigger Ctrl Z shortcut to not working. Other than that, an outdated keyboard driver, misguided registry editor files, and an enabled sticky key for the Ctrl button can also lead you to this disaster.
Now, what’s the ideal pathway to resolve this issue? For starters, I would recommend you reboot your computer. A simple restart can resolve the matter if the shortcuts are not responding to any bug issue.
Then comes the troubleshooting part, only if the system reboot couldn’t spare you from the situation. Read the following sections and try out the solutions in an orderly. That’d help better than following every solution randomly.
Here are the methods to resolve the Ctrl Z shortcut not working in Microsoft Word:
1. Reset Keyboard Shortcuts in Word
Ctrl Z shortcut might not work if you unknowingly changed the shortcut mapping. That reason is also valid when another shortcut key is assigned for Undo option instead of Ctrl + Z.
You can reset the appointed buttons for Microsoft word by initiating a simple tweak in the program’s settings.
Here are the steps to reset Microsoft Word keyboard shortcuts:
After following all those steps, open up a word document and check whether the shortcut button is responding or not.
Execute the subsequent section if this method doesn’t bring back the undo option.
Here’s a complete guide on how to set background image on MS Word.
2. Run Microsoft Word in Safe Mode
Sometimes, adding external plugins in Microsoft word generates the shortcut to stop working. To get around, you can launch Word in safe mode and disable the problematic plugins.
Launching an application in safe mode hands you the freedom to remove troublesome add-ins from the program.
Here’s the process to remove plugins from Microsoft Word in Safe mode:
Once you have successfully removed the plugins, restart your Word client. Surely, your shortcut buttons will be reinstated after this solution if the problem is the additional plugins.
Also, check out our separate post on how to make only one page landscape in Word.
3. Repair Microsoft Word
You need to repair the Microsoft Office application at least once to check whether the system files are corrupted or not. And as a bonus, restoring the program will fix the corrupted files along with the shortcut issue.
Here are the steps to repair Microsoft Word:
Relaunch Microsoft word after the repairing process is done. Hopefully, your assigned shortcut keys will be functional after this tweak.
There are some other tweaks that you can execute if none of the shortcut buttons are not working in Microsoft word. Check out the following section to find them.
Check out the easiest way to enable equation editor in Microsoft Word.
How to Fix Keyboard Shortcuts not Working in Microsoft Word
The sole purpose of Microsoft Word’s shortcuts is to provide ultimate efficiency so that you don’t have to lift your hands off the keyboard. If any of the keypad shortcuts cannot deliver the support you need, this section is totally for you.
You can fix the keyboard shortcuts that are not responding according to your command by following the subsequent techniques.
Here are the solutions to fix keyboard shortcuts not responding in Microsoft Word:
1. Run Keyboard Troubleshooter
Running a keyboard troubleshooter allows you to detect and eliminate keyboard errors, including the shortcut keys not working. If I were in your shoes, I’d try this method first whenever I find command alternatives are not responding in Microsoft word.
Here are the steps to run keyboard troubleshooter from your device:
Your keypad shortcuts will probably be functional again after you run the troubleshooter. You need not worry, in case it doesn’t work out. Try the following method.
Check out the Microsoft Refund policy to get absolutely full refunds to your products.
2. Enable Sticky Keys
Sticky keys is a combination of multiple keys; after pressing it sequentially, an assigned command tends to execute. It’s an alternative for shortcut keys.
If you have a problem pressing two different keyboard buttons simultaneously, you can enable sticky keys to bypass the issue.
Here’s the method to enable sticky keys for Microsoft Word:
- Launch Windows settings from your computer.
- Navigate to Accessibility > Keyboard > Sticky keys.
- Toggle the sticky keys to on.
Here, you’ll be able to assign sticky keys according to your preference.
These are the solutions you must try in case you can’t use the keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft word. Are you having trouble with the Ctrl + Z on different applications, even with the Windows version itself? Check out the following section to resolve.
Quickly check out our epic guide on how to enable word wrap in notepad.
Ctrl + Z Stopped Working in Windows 11?
Before you get bewildered, I need to inform you that the Ctrl + Z shortcut is not only functional for Microsoft word; you can utilize the shortcut for different purposes. You can use that command in an internet browser or in other Microsoft programs such as Excel, PowerPoint, and so on.
What if you can’t use the command on any program within your current Windows version. That’s disastrous, right?
But, don’t worry. After implementing the following solutions, you won’t encounter the issue ever again.
Here are the solutions for Ctrl + Z not working in Windows 11:
1. Change Language from Microsoft Word
This problem might appear if the operating system’s default language doesn’t match the Microsoft Office application’s functional language. This happens when you use multiple languages on your OS.
You need to change Word’s language to the default.
Here’s the process of changing the language from Microsoft Word:
- Launch Microsoft word and navigate to File > Options.
- Click on the Language tab from the left menu bar.
- Tap on English and click set as preferred.
You are all set. Restart the application and see the changes.
Have some time to spare? Quickly check out our epic guide on why can’t I copy paste in Microsoft Word.
2. Reinstall Keyboard Driver
In case your keyboard driver is out of date or contains corrupted files, the keyboard shortcut won’t respond as it should.
Reinstall the driver to avoid such conflicts.
Here are the steps to reinstall the keyboard driver on Windows 11:
- Right-click on the Windows start menu and select device manager.
- Expand the keyboard section.
- Right-click on your driver and select uninstall the driver.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall the driver.
- Restart your computer.
A new keyboard driver will be installed while the PC reboots. After that restart, your keyboard shortcuts will perform as you desire.
But before that, go through our epic guide on do Microsoft points still work.
The Bottom Line
As you don’t have any Ctrl + Z shortcut in real life to undo the mistakes of your life, fixing the Microsoft Office shortcut is the least you can do. And, I can assure you that following the instructions that I’ve shared here will just lead you to that.
But, if you have any other queries regarding the matter, I’m just a comment away. Don’t be shy to comment here. I’ll be very much delighted to assist you.
Peace!
check
Best Answer
@jloati
thanks for the help. problem resolved. i logged in as myself and had the same issue on this PC. I went and repaired the office install and this resolved the issue.
you guys definitely helped me think to the root of the issue which seemed to fix it.
thanks for the help guys i do appreciate it!
Was this post helpful?
thumb_up
thumb_down
View Best Answer in replies below
7 Replies
-
This has worked for us in the past.
1. Close Outlook.
2. Click on Start>Accessories>Run>
3. Type “fixmapi” (Without Quotes)
4. Click ok and check if it helps.
(this from a Microsoft forum)
Was this post helpful?
thumb_up
thumb_down
-
Does this user have any specific add ins that the other users don’t?
Also I noticed you are running word in compatibility mode. Uncheck that and try again.
Was this post helpful?
thumb_up
thumb_down
-
@ jloati
I tried that, didnt change anything
@ greg
it has been working for months. We have not done any updates or changed anything, nor does this user have the ability to do so. They are all standard installs of office 2010. I did take them out of compatibility mode and that changed nothing.
Was this post helpful?
thumb_up
thumb_down
-
Does this happen on that machine for just one user or any user that loggs in? If it is just 1 user you can try backing up and deleting the normal.dot file from that users profile. The next time word opens it will put in a clean copy.
(note that this will remove any custom macros the user has created)
Was this post helpful?
thumb_up
thumb_down
-
@jloati
thanks for the help. problem resolved. i logged in as myself and had the same issue on this PC. I went and repaired the office install and this resolved the issue.
you guys definitely helped me think to the root of the issue which seemed to fix it.
thanks for the help guys i do appreciate it!
Was this post helpful?
thumb_up
thumb_down
-
glad you got it fixed
Was this post helpful?
thumb_up
thumb_down
-
Good work!
Was this post helpful?
thumb_up
thumb_down
Home
> Posts > Fix: Keyboard shortcuts Ctrl-C, Ctrl-V, Ctrl-Z, Ctrl-A not working in Word
For some time now, I was getting very annoyed while copy-pasting content from other software into Microsoft Word 2010. I would press CTRL+C at some other software and then would press ALT+TAB to go into an open Word document and press CTRL+V to paste, but it would not. So I had to move my fingers far away to SHIFT+INSERT to paste.
Today had enough so after some Google search on it, found the best fix by Moshe Eschel at:
http://superuser.com/questions/215595/keyboard-shortcuts-such-as-ctrl-c-ctrl-v-and-ctrl-z-not-working-in-word-2010-on
To «restore» word to the way you remember, you need to go to, File->Options->Customize Ribbon On the bottom there is a label «Keyboard Shortcuts» and a button «Customize…» – click it
On the Categories box, scroll until you find «All Commands» and select it. Now, from the right box select the following Command: EditCopy Look at the «Current Keys» Box you will see «Ctrl+Insert» which is the NEW mapping now put your cursor in the «Press new shortcut key» and Press Ctrl+C, a button on the bottom named Assign will light up, and you click on it.
Do the same for all the shortcuts you like, such as EditPaste, EditUndo, EditRedo, EditCut, SelectAll etc.
Wonder why Microsoft didn’t add both the old and new shortcuts there, since it seems the dialog does support it. What a huge oversight, having Microsoft Word try to impose a shortcut from Macs (as it seems) to longtime Windows users (especially when other software the user works with use other set of shortcuts for copy-paste).
Moreover, the option to reassign the shortcut keys was very deeply hidden, hard for the average user to find it by themselves (couldn’t find it either and I don’t consider myself an average user).
Even more pathetic was the default shortcut key for Select All (usually Ctrl+A). It was Ctrl+5 and Ctrl+Clear (Numeric keyboard 5). What the heck Microsoft?
Community Beginner
,
/t5/indesign-discussions/bring-to-front-bring-to-back-not-working/td-p/2003523
Aug 17, 2009
Aug 17, 2009
Copy link to clipboard
Copied
Hi,
I need help. I am working on a magazine: on the cover, I place a picture and use the «send to back»/»send bacward» option because I want the writings to be on top of the picture. I’ve done that before and it used to work, now it doesn’t. When I do it nothing happens.
Please can someone tell me what to do?
thank you
Rgds
- Follow
- Report
Community guidelines
Be kind and respectful, give credit to the original source of content, and search for duplicates before posting.
Learn more
1 Correct answer
Guide
,
Aug 17, 2009
Aug 17, 2009
I bet you have text wrap on…?
Text wrap is not on at image above… You can also control text wraps with Text Wrap panel (Window>Text Wrap)
Select your cover image and check that text wrap is off…
13
Replies
13
Enthusiast
,
/t5/indesign-discussions/bring-to-front-bring-to-back-not-working/m-p/2003524#M2963
Aug 17, 2009
Aug 17, 2009
Copy link to clipboard
Copied
Check to see if the picture is on a different layer from the text. When you send it to the back, it only goes to the back of that layer. So you might have to rearrange layers or move it to a different layer.
Hope that helps…
- Follow
- Report
Community guidelines
Be kind and respectful, give credit to the original source of content, and search for duplicates before posting.
Learn more
New Here
,
/t5/indesign-discussions/bring-to-front-bring-to-back-not-working/m-p/11873951#M416877
Mar 05, 2021
Mar 05, 2021
Copy link to clipboard
Copied
In Response To phyllisj9
working on a book with a collegue and my issue was a block colour heading and I was trying to add an illustration on top. turns out my collegue had mucked around with layers since I last worked on a page, this was a useful answer 
Thankyou
- Follow
- Report
Community guidelines
Be kind and respectful, give credit to the original source of content, and search for duplicates before posting.
Learn more
New Here
,
/t5/indesign-discussions/bring-to-front-bring-to-back-not-working/m-p/12875634#M473482
Apr 12, 2022
Apr 12, 2022
Copy link to clipboard
Copied
In Response To phyllisj9
- Follow
- Report
Community guidelines
Be kind and respectful, give credit to the original source of content, and search for duplicates before posting.
Learn more
New Here
,
/t5/indesign-discussions/bring-to-front-bring-to-back-not-working/m-p/13355713#M503303
Nov 18, 2022
Nov 18, 2022
Copy link to clipboard
Copied
In Response To phyllisj9
wooow I’ve been stuck for ages and was so frustraated! total nocive trying to create a pitch deck hahahaa Thanks!
- Follow
- Report
Community guidelines
Be kind and respectful, give credit to the original source of content, and search for duplicates before posting.
Learn more
New Here
,
/t5/indesign-discussions/bring-to-front-bring-to-back-not-working/m-p/13643300#M519102
Mar 11, 2023
Mar 11, 2023
Copy link to clipboard
Copied
In Response To phyllisj9
i think i have this problem, but i dont want to rearrange layers. is there a way to override this?
- Follow
- Report
Community guidelines
Be kind and respectful, give credit to the original source of content, and search for duplicates before posting.
Learn more
Community Expert
,
/t5/indesign-discussions/bring-to-front-bring-to-back-not-working/m-p/13643319#M519105
Mar 11, 2023
Mar 11, 2023
Copy link to clipboard
Copied
In Response To Loois
- Follow
- Report
Community guidelines
Be kind and respectful, give credit to the original source of content, and search for duplicates before posting.
Learn more
New Here
,
/t5/indesign-discussions/bring-to-front-bring-to-back-not-working/m-p/13643448#M519110
Mar 11, 2023
Mar 11, 2023
Copy link to clipboard
Copied
LATEST
In Response To BobLevine
That’s unfortunate. It would be nice as a preferences option you could toggle. I’ll make a request feature. thanks
- Follow
- Report
Community guidelines
Be kind and respectful, give credit to the original source of content, and search for duplicates before posting.
Learn more
Community Expert
,
/t5/indesign-discussions/bring-to-front-bring-to-back-not-working/m-p/2003525#M2964
Aug 17, 2009
Aug 17, 2009
Copy link to clipboard
Copied
- Follow
- Report
Community guidelines
Be kind and respectful, give credit to the original source of content, and search for duplicates before posting.
Learn more
Community Beginner
,
/t5/indesign-discussions/bring-to-front-bring-to-back-not-working/m-p/2003527#M2966
Aug 17, 2009
Aug 17, 2009
Copy link to clipboard
Copied
In Response To BobLevine
Thank you Phillys and Bob. I’ve checked and it works.
the only issue I still have is the following: I can see that the picture has been sent to back as I can select the text frames on top of it. But the text does not appear event though the boxes are on the front. When I remove the picture I can see the text again. How strange it that? Can you help again please? It is the first time I face this issue. It usually works well.
Thanks
- Follow
- Report
Community guidelines
Be kind and respectful, give credit to the original source of content, and search for duplicates before posting.
Learn more
Guide
,
/t5/indesign-discussions/bring-to-front-bring-to-back-not-working/m-p/2003528#M2967
Aug 17, 2009
Aug 17, 2009
Copy link to clipboard
Copied
In Response To kikoushka
I bet you have text wrap on…?
Text wrap is not on at image above… You can also control text wraps with Text Wrap panel (Window>Text Wrap)
Select your cover image and check that text wrap is off…
- Follow
- Report
Community guidelines
Be kind and respectful, give credit to the original source of content, and search for duplicates before posting.
Learn more
Community Beginner
,
/t5/indesign-discussions/bring-to-front-bring-to-back-not-working/m-p/2003529#M2968
Aug 17, 2009
Aug 17, 2009
Copy link to clipboard
Copied
In Response To Petteri_Paananen
Thank you all!! That problem is solved.
It is the first time I try a forum like this: I really appreciate the fast responses and your willingness to help.
I’ll certainly be back with other questions 
- Follow
- Report
Community guidelines
Be kind and respectful, give credit to the original source of content, and search for duplicates before posting.
Learn more
Guide
,
/t5/indesign-discussions/bring-to-front-bring-to-back-not-working/m-p/2003526#M2965
Aug 17, 2009
Aug 17, 2009
Copy link to clipboard
Copied
If it´s not layers, check that your texts are not in master page (they shouldnt but sometimes that may be the case)…
- Follow
- Report
Community guidelines
Be kind and respectful, give credit to the original source of content, and search for duplicates before posting.
Learn more
New Here
,
/t5/indesign-discussions/bring-to-front-bring-to-back-not-working/m-p/2003530#M2969
Mar 28, 2018
Mar 28, 2018
Copy link to clipboard
Copied
- Follow
- Report
Community guidelines
Be kind and respectful, give credit to the original source of content, and search for duplicates before posting.
Learn more
Quick tip: In Microsoft Word, in a document with in-document hyperlinks, after navigating to another location in the document by clicking on a hyperlink (typically by holding Ctrl and clicking the link, as Word will prompt when the mouse cursor is hovered over a link), you can go back to where you were before in the document by using Alt+LeftArrow (hold down the Alt key and press the Left Arrow key) – similar to clicking on the Back button in a web browser.
Alt+RightArrow also works to go forward once again after using the Alt+LeftArrow shortcut to go back.
These are a good shortcuts to be aware of, since Word doesn’t by default show Back/Forward buttons in the toolbar like a browser does. (This is the case in Word 2003 – I don’t have a copy of Word 2007 in front of me at the moment to check.)
In Word 2003, you can get Word to show Back/Forward buttons in the toolbar by making Word’s Web toolbar visible. (Right-click a blank area of the toolbar at the top of the Word window, and select Web from the context menu that appears.)
The Alt+LeftArrow and Alt+RightArrow keyboard shortcuts to navigate Back or Forward respectively also work in most web browsers on Windows.
Download PC Repair Tool to quickly find & fix Windows errors automatically
If the Keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys are not working in Microsoft Word, then you can try the solutions mentioned in this article to fix this issue. Keyboard shortcuts enable you to perform specific commands quickly without going through various options. However, some users have reportedly encountered this issue where they are unable to use keyboard shortcut keys in the Word application. If you are also facing the same problem, here are some fixes that you can try to resolve the issue.
The solutions to fix the keyboard shortcut keys not working problem in Word are:
- Check if the Keyboard Shortcuts are working or not elsewhere
- Reset Keyboard Shortcuts.
- Check by running Word in safe mode and disable add-ins.
- Repair Microsoft Word application.
Let’s discuss these in detail!
1] Check if the Keyboard Shortcuts are not working anywhere else in Windows 10
Are the keyboard shortcuts not working only in Microsoft Word? Or, are they not working in other applications too in Windows 10? Use hotkeys in Windows 10 generally and see if they are working fine or not.
If not, you can see this post to fix keyboard shortcuts. To begin with, run the Keyboard troubleshooter, check the keyboard physically, reset the keyboard, etc.
2] Reset Keyboard Shortcuts
If no standard keyboard shortcut is working in Word, try resetting keyboard shortcuts. It may help you fix the issue. To do so, you can follow below steps:
Launch Word and go to the File > Options menu. In the Options window, move to the Customize Ribbon tab. Here, you will see Customize button present beside the Keyboard Shortcut option. Click on this option and then in the next dialog window, tap on the Reset All option.
Next, confirm the reset process and all your keyboard shortcuts will be reset to default. Then, check if you are able to use your standard hotkeys in Word.
You can reassign the shortcut keys for commands in Word using the same Customize option.
3] Check by running Word in Safe mode and disable add-ins
Sometimes the bugs in applications arise due to problematic add-ins that you have installed. The same can be the reason for keyboard shortcuts not working in Word. So, restart Microsoft Word in safe mode and then see you are able to use the keyboard shortcuts.
To start Word in safe mode, open Run (Windows+R) and then type and enter winword /safe.
If you are able to use keyboard shortcut keys in Safe mode, the problem is most probably with an installed add-in. So, launch Word normally and then disable add-ins using below steps:
- Go to the File menu and click on Options.
- Select the Add-ins tab and press the Go button present beside the Manage COM Add-ins option.
- Now, uncheck the installed add-ins to disable them and then click on the OK button.
- Restart Word and see if you are able to use keyboard shortcuts like before.
4] Repair Microsoft Word application
If nothing seems to work to fix this issue, repair the Microsoft Word application. If the problem lies with the app installation or module update, this method should work.
Just open the Settings app and then click on the Apps category. Now, from Apps & features tab, scroll down to the Microsoft Office app and then tap on it. You will see a Modify option below it; click on it and then choose from Quick Repair and Online Repair options and press the Repair button to start the process.
After the Windows repairs the Office applications, check if keyboard shortcuts are working or not.
Hope this article helps you fix the keyboard shortcuts not working issue in Word.
Read next: How to customize Keyboard Shortcuts for Word.
Komal has done M.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering. She is a keen follower of the Windows ecosystem & a technical writer since the last six years. She loves finding solutions for day-to-day tech problems.