Solutions for Keyboard Shortcuts Not Functioning in Microsoft Word

Step 1: Reset Your Keyboard Shortcuts

To restore default keyboard shortcuts, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Microsoft Word on your computer.

Step 2: Click on the “ File ” menu and select “ Options.”

Step 3: Navigate to the “ Customize Ribbon ” option.

Step 4: Locate ‘Keyboard shortcuts’ and click “ Customize.”

Step 5: Click on “ Reset All ” to revert any custom shortcuts.

Step 6: Confirm by clicking “ Yes ” on the warning message.

Step 7: Finally, click “ OK ” to save your changes and restart Word.

Pro Tip: Always back up your custom shortcuts before resetting them.

Step 2: Reset Language Settings

Incorrect language settings can affect shortcut functionality. Here’s how to set them correctly:

Step 1: In Word, go to the “ File ” menu and select “ Options.”

Step 2: Click on the “ Language ” tab when the options load.

Step 3: Under “Office display language, ” select “ English ” and set it as preferred.

Step 4: Likewise, choose your preferred authoring language and set it as default.

Step 5: Confirm any warnings and finalize by tapping “ OK.”

Pro Tip: Ensure the language settings match your keyboard layout for optimal performance.

Step 3: Disable Word Add-ins

Add-ins can interfere with shortcuts; follow these steps to disable them:

Step 1: Click on the “ File ” menu and go to “ Options.”

Step 2: Select the “ Add-ins ” section.

Step 3: Set ‘Manage’ to “ COM Add-ins ” and click “ Go….”

Step 4: Uncheck the boxes of any add-ins to disable them.

Step 5: Click “ OK ” and restart Word for changes to take effect.

Pro Tip: Test keyboard shortcuts after disabling each add-in to identify the culprit.

Step 4: Repair the Word Application

Repairing the Word application can solve several issues:

Step 1: Open Settings using Win + I.

Step 2: Navigate to the “ Apps ” section.

Step 3: Go to “ Installed apps ” and find “ Microsoft Office.”

Step 4: Tap the “ ⋮ ” next to Office and select “ Modify.”

Step 5: Choose “ Quick Repair ” and then click “ Repair.”

Step 6: Wait for the process to complete, then select “ Close.”

Pro Tip: Restart your computer after the repair to ensure all changes are effective.

Step 5: Uninstall Any Key Modifier Applications

If you have installed key modifier programs like AutoHotKey, they may cause conflicts:

Step 1: Right-click the Start icon and select “ Run.”

Step 2: Enter appwiz.cpl and click “ OK.”

Step 3: Find and uninstall any key modifier app you have installed.

Step 4: Restart your computer to complete the process, and check if keyboard shortcuts are working.

Pro Tip: Always reboot after uninstalling applications to ensure that changes take effect immediately.

What should I do if resetting keyboard shortcuts doesn’t work?

Can I customize my keyboard shortcuts?