Microsoft is focusing on redesigning Word and AI improvements across Microsoft 365 applications. However, with issues like The hyperlink is not working., AndWord failed to respondIf you're unable to type a document, it appears the program's reliability has suffered a significant blow. Here are the top 10 ways to fix the inability to type in Microsoft Word.
You can switch to another text editor when Word selection is locked. After all, there's no shortage of text editors on both Windows and Mac. But switching may not be right for everyone. Follow the tricks below and quickly restore your ideal setup.
1. Keep Microsoft Word in focus
When you have multiple apps open, you can select another app to be in the foreground. Click Microsoft Word and keep it in focus. If you're using Microsoft Word on a Mac, highlight the app name in the upper-left corner of the menu bar.
2. Get editing permission
Did you receive a Word file from someone via email or Microsoft Teams? If the person shared the file with view-only permission, you won't be able to type or make any changes. You'll need to ask the person to resend the file with revised editing permission.
3. Check the network connection
It's the biggest reason behind the "Unable to type in a Word document" error. All Microsoft 365 plans come with 1TB of storage. OneDriveMost subscribers prefer to save Word files to the cloud platform for seamless sharing and collaboration.
Microsoft Word syncs your changes to OneDrive in real time. However, when your PC or Mac experiences network connectivity issues, the program fails to do so and may prevent you from editing the document. You'll need to connect to a high-speed Wi-Fi network and try syncing the Word file again.
4. Close the word file on another device.
Do you have a Word file open on another desktop or Mac? When you run the same file on another device, you may encounter problems editing the file. You should close the Word file on the other device first and try again.
5. Check the Bluetooth connection to the wireless keyboard.
Although it's not directly related to Microsoft Word, you still need to check your Bluetooth connection. If your PC or Mac is having trouble connecting via Bluetooth, your wireless keyboard won't be able to connect, and you won't be able to type anything.
You can remove the keyboard from the Bluetooth list and try pairing it again.
6. Disable Microsoft Word add-ins
Microsoft Word comes with rich add-in support. Some corrupt or outdated add-ins may interfere with the program. You should remove unnecessary add-ins from the application. Here's how.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Word and click a file in the upper left corner.
Step 2: Locate options.
Step 3: Click on Add-ons from the sidebar and select transmission.
Step 4: Locate Unfamiliar add-ons And remove it from Word.
Restart Microsoft Word, open your document, and start making edits without errors.
7. Check ONEDrive status
As mentioned earlier, most users prefer to save Microsoft Word files to OneDrive. However, when the cloud storage service experiences an outage, you cannot save changes to the file. You can visit Downdetector Search for OneDrive to confirm the issue.
Until Microsoft fixes the server-side issues, save your Word file to local storage and continue working.
8. Check ONEDRIVE storage space
If your OneDrive account doesn't have enough storage space, you won't be able to save and edit your Word document. You can Visit OneDrive on the web Check your storage space from the sidebar. You can delete unnecessary files or purchase additional plans to increase your OneDrive storage space.
9. Force restart Word
This is another useful trick for fixing minor errors in Microsoft Word. You can close Microsoft Word completely, restart your computer, and try again.
10. Update Microsoft Word
Microsoft regularly releases Word updates to add new features and fix bugs.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Word and click a file in the upper left corner.
Step 2: Locate Account Expand the update options. Select Update now To install the latest version of the application.
If you're using Word on a Mac, update it from the Mac App Store.
Create your own Word documents
Not being able to type in Microsoft Word can disrupt your workflow and lead to unproductive hours. It's especially frustrating when you're trying to meet a deadline with your editor or business partner. What trick worked for you? Share your results with us in the comments below.