10 Best Ways to Fix Can’t Type in Microsoft Word

Microsoft focuses on Word redesign and AI enhancements across the Microsoft 365 apps. However, with issues like hyperlink not working, Word failing to respond, and inability to type in a document, the software reliability seems to have taken a hit.

You may switch to another text editor when the Word selection is locked. After all, there is no shortage of text editors on Windows and Mac. But the change may not be convenient for all. Go through the tricks below and get back your ideal setup quickly.

1. Keep Microsoft Word in Focus

When several apps open, you may select another app in the foreground. You need to click on Microsoft Word and keep it in focus. If you use Microsoft Word on Mac, confirm the app’s name in the top-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 can’t type in it or make any changes. You need to ask the person to send the file again with a revised editing permission.

3. Check Network Connection

It’s the biggest culprit behind the ‘unable to type in Word document’ error.  All Microsoft 365 plans come with 1TB of OneDrive storage, and most subscribers prefer to save Word files on the cloud platform for seamless sharing and collaboration.

Microsoft Word syncs your changes on OneDrive in real time. However, when your PC or Mac has network connection issues, the software fails to do so and may prevent you from editing the document. You 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 launch the same on another device, you may face issues with editing the file. You should close the Word file on another device first and try again.

5. Check Bluetooth Connection of Wireless Keyboard

While it’s not directly related to Microsoft Word, you need to still check the Bluetooth connection. If your PC or Mac has Bluetooth connectivity problems, your wireless keyboard can’t connect to it, and you can’t type anything.

You can remove your keyboard from the Bluetooth menu and try to pair it again.

6. Disable Microsoft Word Add-ins

Microsoft Word comes with rich add-in support. Some of the corrupt or outdated add-ins may interfere with the software. You should remove unnecessary add-ins from the app. Here’s how.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Word and click File at the top-left corner.

Step 2: Select Options.

Step 3: Click Add-ins from the sidebar and select Go.

Step 4: Select unfamiliar add-ons and remove them from Word.

Restart Microsoft Word, open your document, and start making edits without errors.

7. Check OneDrive Status

As mentioned, most users prefer to save Microsoft Word files on OneDrive. However, when the cloud storage service faces an outage, you can’t save changes to a file. You can visit Downdetector and search for OneDrive to confirm the problem.

Until Microsoft fixes server-side problems, save your Word file on the local storage and continue your work.

8. Check OneDrive Storage

If your OneDrive account has insufficient storage, you can’t save and edit your Word document. You can visit OneDrive on the web and check the storage from the sidebar. You can delete unnecessary files or purchase additional plans to increase the OneDrive storage.

9. Force Restart Word

It’s another handy trick to fix small Microsoft Word niggles. You can completely close Microsoft Word, restart the 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 File at the top-left corner.

Step 2: Select Account and expand the Update options. Select Update now to install the latest app build.

If you use Word on Mac, update it from the Mac App Store.

Draft Your Word Documents

Microsoft Word not letting you type can break your workflow and lead to unproductive hours. It’s quite annoying when you try to meet your editor or business partner’s deadline. Which trick worked for you? Share your findings with us in the comments below.