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Fix: Keyboard Shortcuts are Not Working in Word
Check the shortcut mapping and manually configure it
6 min. read
Updated onSeptember 30, 2024
updated onSeptember 30, 2024
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Keyboard shortcuts are vital for quick and seamless functioning, and many rely too much on these. There’s nothing wrong with the approach until the keyboard shortcuts are not working in Word. This issue is usually due to misconfigures shortcut mapping or incorrect default language. However, Office update bugs or keyboard issue may also create problems with shortcuts in Word.
In case you have problems with a shortcut that employs theF1–F12keys, try holdingFnwhen using the keyboard shortcut. Also, try connecting an external/different keyboard if possible, to rule out keyboard problems.
How do I fix my shortcuts if they’re not working in Word?
1. Launch Microsoft Word in Safe Mode
When the Ctrl shortcuts are not working in Word, inspect the installed add-ins. Also, instead of removing them all in one go, you could remove one, launch Word in normal mode, and verify if the problem is fixed.
When things improve, the add-in last uninstalled triggered issues with the keyboard shortcuts functionality. You can now reinstall the other add-ins removed in the process.
2. Run the dedicated troubleshooter
When the undo shortcut is not working in Word, the dedicated troubleshooter will help. Also, you may run theHardware and Devicestroubleshooter.
3. Manually configure the keyboard shortcut
When facing problems with specific ones, say the copy paste shortcuts are not working in Word, you can check if there were any changes and manually configure the shortcut.
Here are the command names for some of the popular shortcuts:
4. Update the keyboard drivers
Drivers are critical for the effective functioning of any device, so make sure youupdate the keyboard drivers.
In case Windows can’t find a newer version stored locally or the subscript shortcut is still not working in Word, head to the manufacturer’s website andmanually install the latest driver.
Outbyte Driver Updater
5. Change the language
6. Repair Microsoft Office
When everything else fails to work, you can always repair the Office installation. AnOnline Repair, though it takes more time and requires an Internet connection, is a foolproof solution against mostMicrosoft Office issues.
How do I reset keyboard shortcuts in Word?
If theReset allbutton is greyed out in Word, a quick workaround is to change the shortcut for any command that functions well, sayEditCopyorBold. As soon as you save the changes, theReset allbutton will be available, and you can reset configurations to the default settings.
Remember, in most cases, it’s the keyboard to blame for the problem, not Microsoft Word. And replacing it worked for many.
Now that you know what to do when keyboard shortcuts are not working in Word and have things up and running check thebest Windows 11 shortcutsto perform tasks effortlessly. In case you’re still having issues, ourCtrl + D not working guideshould provide you with additional solutions.
And for those who are yet toupgrade to Windows 11, we also have a list of thebest Windows 10 shortcuts.
If you know any additional solutions, drop them in the comments section below.
More about the topics:keyboard,Microsoft Word,Office 365
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
