I cannot add any images that are on my device to my Microsoft Word document, I can add images from the web though?

Question

I cannot add any images that are on my device to my Microsoft Word document, I can add images from the web though?

BCam 25

I am trying to add an image from my computer to a word document I am working on. I go to insert on Microsoft Word, tap insert image, and when I choose an image/file and hit insert nothing happens in the Word document. I have tried many different images and files to no avail. Now if I go to insert and click on online images it will insert an image from there. I have gone to file, options and looked for "show picture placeholder" to make sure it is shut off, but I do not have an option for that?! I have also checked other settings to this issue via other persons threads here but none of those helped me either. I am going to use Publisher for the time being to work on the document I am wanting to do, but when October comes, I understand that will no longer be an option and would like to get this resolved as I would like to transfer my Publisher documents to Word before I lose those entirely.

Paul Bloxidge 15 Reputation points

2026-02-12T20:49:17.95+00:00

I have the same issue and have undertaken all the steps suggest by Kai H including a repair - to no avail. It works OK in safe mode and I have disabled all add-ins. It works OK with Copy/Paste but not Insert from This Device........REALLY frustrating
Julia Casey 15 Reputation points

2026-02-14T18:50:28.82+00:00

This issue suddenly appeared for me too. The repairs did not solve it. An odd thing is that I accessed a Word file sent to me by another user a month ago and was able to insert my locally stored images into that old document. However, I cannot insert locally stored images into my recent Word files or a new Word document. I saved a copy of this other user's Word document as a default option for me to use, but it is a little weird too because when the images are inserted the margins are off and I need to set the indent to -5" to make them layout properly. There must be something in the settings of the old document that are helping to override this issue, but I'm not very savvy with this sort of thing and cannot figure it out.

I also want to add in that it is very annoying! :)
S Camp 0 Reputation points

2026-03-17T22:22:01.0866667+00:00

Same issue, I can drag and drop pictures from my computer into Word.
vinnie watson 0 Reputation points

2026-03-26T23:03:25.6566667+00:00

While editing a local Word document that was previously edited on Word online and saved as a local file, I wasn't able to insert an image from a local folder that isn't connected to OneDrive.

I tried changing the view mode, which didn't work. A workaround was to insert it into a new document, then copy it into the original document.
Charles Kenyon 166.5K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-03-27T15:42:00.05+00:00

@Paul Bloxidge

Sorry for the late response. That it works OK in safe mode means the problem is either Add-Ins or your Normal.dotm file. See my article: Word works fine if I start in safe mode but not if I start it normally: https://addbalance.com/articles/Word%20Works%20in%20Safe%20Mode%20But%20Not%20If%20I%20Just%20Start%20it%20Normally.htm

How to start in safe mode: https://support.office.com/article/dedf944a-5f4b-4afb-a453-528af4f7ac72

7 answers

Your answer

Paul Bloxidge 15 Reputation points

2026-02-12T20:49:17.95+00:00

I have the same issue and have undertaken all the steps suggest by Kai H including a repair - to no avail. It works OK in safe mode and I have disabled all add-ins. It works OK with Copy/Paste but not Insert from This Device........REALLY frustrating
Julia Casey 15 Reputation points

2026-02-14T18:50:28.82+00:00

This issue suddenly appeared for me too. The repairs did not solve it. An odd thing is that I accessed a Word file sent to me by another user a month ago and was able to insert my locally stored images into that old document. However, I cannot insert locally stored images into my recent Word files or a new Word document. I saved a copy of this other user's Word document as a default option for me to use, but it is a little weird too because when the images are inserted the margins are off and I need to set the indent to -5" to make them layout properly. There must be something in the settings of the old document that are helping to override this issue, but I'm not very savvy with this sort of thing and cannot figure it out.

I also want to add in that it is very annoying! :)
S Camp 0 Reputation points

2026-03-17T22:22:01.0866667+00:00

Same issue, I can drag and drop pictures from my computer into Word.
vinnie watson 0 Reputation points

2026-03-26T23:03:25.6566667+00:00

While editing a local Word document that was previously edited on Word online and saved as a local file, I wasn't able to insert an image from a local folder that isn't connected to OneDrive.

I tried changing the view mode, which didn't work. A workaround was to insert it into a new document, then copy it into the original document.
Charles Kenyon 166.5K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-03-27T15:42:00.05+00:00

@Paul Bloxidge

Sorry for the late response. That it works OK in safe mode means the problem is either Add-Ins or your Normal.dotm file. See my article: Word works fine if I start in safe mode but not if I start it normally: https://addbalance.com/articles/Word%20Works%20in%20Safe%20Mode%20But%20Not%20If%20I%20Just%20Start%20it%20Normally.htm

How to start in safe mode: https://support.office.com/article/dedf944a-5f4b-4afb-a453-528af4f7ac72

Answer 1

TheFireNerd 75

The solution to this issue that I found was due to Word operating in "Compatibility Mode"

To turn off, take the following steps:

1: Click "File"
2: Click "Info"
3: If Compatibility Mode is enabled it will be the top option in yellow.
Click "Convert" and test out insert photo

I hope this helped someone

Paul Bloxidge 15 Reputation points

2026-02-19T13:51:41.1866667+00:00

Thanks! That works.
Julia Casey 15 Reputation points

2026-02-19T16:53:31.6366667+00:00

Yes! Thank you!!
Ken Miller 10 Reputation points

2026-02-25T19:41:18.2533333+00:00

Thank you! Nothing else I found onine was working
Wolfie 10 Reputation points

2026-02-26T07:30:56.7966667+00:00

Thanks to the hint.

Is it possible to make this change permanent, rather than having to do this every time you open a new document?
Suzanne S Barnhill 277.1K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-02-26T12:36:40.33+00:00
If new documents are opening in Compatibility Mode, this suggests that the Normal template needs to be converted as well. Here's a quick way to open the template for editing:

   In Word, press Alt+F11; the Visual Basic Editor opens.

   Press Ctrl+G to activate the Immediate window.

   In that window, type (or paste)      NormalTemplate.OpenAsDocument and press Enter.

Normal opens, but note that it may not be on top of all windows. You can close the Visual Basic Editor. Make the desired changes to the Normal file (in this case, convert it), and then save and close it. If the changes you have made have not been recognized as changes (the Undo button is not activated), press Spacebar, then Backspace to “dirty” the file, thus ensuring that the template will actually be saved.
Anita Wise 0 Reputation points

2026-03-02T10:47:37.92+00:00

It worked - thank you so much!
Bill Lanza 0 Reputation points

2026-03-09T19:27:28.5533333+00:00

thanks
Janet Willicott 0 Reputation points

2026-03-17T13:55:10.13+00:00

Thanks @TheFireNerd - perfect solution - omw - I have been going in circles - growing more frustrated. Your solution worked - I suspect these issues occurred for all of us due to the most recent thorough update in late Jan. Thanks for your insight. JW
Nikky Emmanuel 0 Reputation points

2026-03-31T03:02:27.0566667+00:00

Thanks a lot, TheFireNerd. Your suggestion was helpful, and it was a relief. I'd had the same issue, and it was frustrating not being able to do what I'd always been able to do when inserting pictures from my device. This is a huge relief.

Answer 2

Charles Kenyon 166.5K Volunteer Moderator

Can you select the image file on your device, and then copy and paste into the Word document?

Are you using the desktop application or the web app? They are different.

If you have a perpetual license version of Office earlier than 2024 Publisher will remain on your computer and you will be able to use it. It was not included with Office 2024 and is being dropped from Microsoft 365 in October.

0 comments

Answer 3

Hi, BCam

Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum.

Sorry for this frustrating experience that you're facing. When “Insert > Pictures > This Device” does nothing, it is usually because Word is not displaying local pictures due to a view/display setting, an add-in conflict, or a damaged Office install, so the file picker closes but the image never renders in the document.

Here are some suggestions you can try to resolve this issue:

Quick checks (takes 30 seconds)

Switch the document to Print Layout view (Draft or Outline can hide pictures).
Try inserting into a brand-new blank document (File > New > Blank document).

Make sure Word is set to actually show pictures

Go to File > Options:
Advanced: under “Show document content”, turn on Show drawings and text boxes on screen. If you do see Show picture placeholders, make sure it is unchecked.
Display: under Printing options, check Print drawings created in Word.

Test the normal insert path (to rule out a click-path glitch)

Use Insert > Pictures > This Device, pick a JPG/PNG, then click Insert.

Try Word Safe Mode (this is the fastest way to confirm an add-in is breaking it)

Press Windows key + R, type winword /safe, press Enter, then try inserting the same picture again.
If it works in Safe Mode, disable add-ins: File > Options > Add-ins > Manage: COM Add-ins > Go, uncheck add-ins, close Word, reopen normally.

Repair Office (fixes corrupted components that affect “Insert Picture”)

Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program
Select your Office/Microsoft 365 install > Change > run Online Repair (more thorough than Quick Repair).

Workarounds you can use immediately (while you troubleshoot)

Drag and drop the image from File Explorer into Word, or copy and paste it into the document.

If a specific image refuses to insert, open it in Paint and Save As a fresh PNG or JPG, then insert that new file. (This often fixes odd image metadata.)

Hope this helps. Feel free to get back if you need further assistance.

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Kai-H 15,610 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-02-04T06:25:10.55+00:00

Hi BCam

It has been a while and I am writing to see how things are going with this issue.

Have you had a chance to check the replies provided?

Any update would be appreciated.
Paul Bloxidge 15 Reputation points

2026-02-12T20:50:13.1+00:00

I have the same issue and have undertaken all the steps suggest by Kai H including a repair - to no avail. It works OK in safe mode and I have disabled all add-ins. It works OK with Copy/Paste but not Insert from This Device........REALLY frustrating
Charles Kenyon 166.5K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-02-16T17:09:25.5733333+00:00

@Paul Bloxidge ,

I strongly suggest you post this as a separate question to get the best and quickest help.

If it works in safe mode, neither reinstalling nor repairing will help. If disabling all Add-Ins does not fix it, then try renaming your normal.dotm file. (Usually it is just one Add-In causing the problem.)
Jamal Naji 0 Reputation points

2026-02-21T04:41:40.8633333+00:00

Thank solve my problem, ver helpful
croutonoverlord 0 Reputation points

2026-02-26T07:07:31.0433333+00:00

@Kai-H
I followed all provided steps, still unfixed. This is a crazy problem for a product to have especially considering that I used to own a version that could do this and now, paying a constant subscription, unnecessary bugs like this crop up.

Just spent hour to solve this new, apparently unsolved glitch instead of getting work done. Thanks, MS support. How do you expect anyone to care about whatever "cutting edge" features you're pushing when you can't fix bugs like this (see Julia's diagnosis below). Get it together.

Answer 4

Julia Casey 15

If you ask CoPilot, and explain the scenario, it will give you steps to fix it. It is a OneDrive / Word conflict. This should not be happening to unsuspecting users!

It sounds like you’ve uncovered a very specific and frustrating interaction between Word, OneDrive, and your local Pictures folder — and the clues you’ve given actually point to a clear pattern. Let’s walk through what’s likely happening and how to fix it.

What Your Clues Reveal

You told me:

• You cannot insert images from your device into new Word documents you create.

• You can insert images into:

• Word running in Safe Mode

• A document created by someone else

• Stock images

• Images you copy/paste

• You recently noticed OneDrive took over your Photos folder.

• You suspect something changed on your computer.

These symptoms almost always point to OneDrive’s “Known Folder Move” (KFM) suddenly activating or changing state. When that happens:

• Your Pictures folder is no longer truly local — it becomes a OneDrive-managed folder.

• Word sometimes loses permission to access those synced folders, especially in:

• New documents

• Documents saved to OneDrive

• Documents created under a different template or trust zone

Safe Mode works because it bypasses add-ins and cloud integration.

A document sent by someone else works because it’s not tied to your default template or OneDrive save location.

This is classic OneDrive folder‑redirection behavior.

The Most Likely Root Cause

Your Pictures folder is now inside OneDrive, and Word is being blocked from accessing it due to:

• A OneDrive permissions glitch

• A OneDrive sync conflict

• A corrupted Normal.dotm template

• A recent OneDrive update that changed folder ownership

This is very common after OneDrive silently re-enables “Backup” for Desktop/Documents/Pictures.

Paul Bloxidge 15 Reputation points

2026-02-15T10:15:44.83+00:00

OK - so that is the Root Cause - ie the Pictures folder is now inside OneDrive and Word is blocked........how do you rectify it!!??
Stefan Blom 338.6K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-02-15T16:22:19.6266667+00:00

Try the following and see if it works around the issue: Save the picture on your hard drive, outside the local OneDrive folder and then see if you can insert it in a Word document.
Julia Casey 15 Reputation points

2026-02-15T18:34:57.1566667+00:00
I was able to fix it but I am not sure which one of these fixes did it. I ended up moving all my photo files out of OneDrive back to local storage. I also followed these instructions about the "Normal.old" template. These were the instructions I received in response to my question via CoPilot -

Let’s Fix It Step by Step

Below are the steps in the order most likely to solve the issue.

Turn Off OneDrive “Backup” for Pictures

This is the #1 fix for your symptoms.

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar.

Select Settings.

Go to Backup.

Click Manage Backup.

If Pictures is being backed up, turn it off.

When you turn it off, OneDrive will ask whether you want to restore the folder to your PC.

Choose Yes — this returns your Pictures folder to true local storage.

After this, restart Word and try inserting again.

Check Word’s Trusted Locations

If your Pictures folder moved into OneDrive, Word may treat it as an untrusted cloud location.

Open Word

File → Options

Trust Center → Trust Center Settings

Trusted Locations

Add your local Pictures folder (after restoring it)

Repair the Normal.dotm Template

Since you can insert images into documents created by others, your default template may be corrupted.

Close Word

Press Windows + R

Type:

Rename Normal.dotm to Normal.old

Word will create a fresh one automatically.

Check Word’s File Block Settings

File → Options

Trust Center → Trust Center Settings

File Block Settings

Make sure Pictures or graphics filters are NOT blocked.

Check OneDrive Sync Status

If your Pictures folder is stuck syncing, Word may not be able to access files.

• Open OneDrive

• Look for any red X or sync errors

• Resolve them if present

Why Safe Mode Works

Safe Mode disables:

• OneDrive integration

• Add-ins

• Cloud-based security checks

• Template loading

This strongly reinforces that the issue is not Word itself, but something interfering with Word’s access to your local folders — almost certainly OneDrive.

Why You Can Insert Images Into Someone Else’s Document

Documents created by others:

• Are not tied to your default template

• May not be saved in OneDrive

• May bypass the permission issue

This is another strong indicator of a template + OneDrive folder redirection conflict.

If You Want Your Photos Stored Locally Again

Once you turn off OneDrive Backup, your Pictures folder will return to:

You can also manually move photos out of OneDrive after disabling backup.

If You Want, I Can Walk You Through…

• Turning off OneDrive backup

• Moving your Pictures folder back to local storage

• Resetting Word’s template

• Checking permissions

• Verifying OneDrive isn’t redirecting your folders again
Stefan Blom 338.6K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-02-15T18:47:36.4066667+00:00

AI-generated responses often provide many different suggestions, which obviously makes it hard to tell which one of them actually worked.

Of course, turning off OneDrive is OK, unless you depend on it for storage or backup.
Julia Casey 15 Reputation points

2026-02-15T19:01:54.75+00:00

Thank you :) I am pretty clueless about all this, but I noticed that my photos files were looking different with having OneDrive data (in conjunction with Word having this problem), so I took a stab at it by asking CoPilot. I hope that the root of the problem (Word not being able to access photos stored on OneDrive) can be resolved by Microsoft. It seems like something they would want to fix.
Stefan Blom 338.6K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-02-15T19:05:00.9866667+00:00

I don't keep my data files synchronized with OneDrive, so I can't test that particular thing.

It should be noted that I haven't experienced any inserting pictures into Word.
Julia Casey 15 Reputation points

2026-02-15T19:07:21.53+00:00

I didn't intentionally keep my photos on OneDrive either - suddenly OneDrive came in and took them! They moved them there. I don't know how it happened.
Stefan Blom 338.6K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-02-16T14:15:31.8033333+00:00

I didn't intentionally keep my photos on OneDrive either - suddenly OneDrive came in and took them! They moved them there. I don't know how it happened.

The tricky part is that the OneDrive folder in a PC installation contains the standard Documents folder (among other items). Therefore, you may not be aware that you are synchronizing your files, or most of them, with the "cloud."

To prevent all files from synchronizing, you can unlink OneDrive from your PC. See the "Unlink OneDrive from your computer" section in the article at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/turn-off-disable-or-uninstall-onedrive-f32a17ce-3336-40fe-9c38-6efb09f944b0 . The screen shot below (from the article) shows the instructions for Windows, specifically.
Paul Bloxidge 15 Reputation points

2026-02-16T14:27:54.4533333+00:00

Stefan - thanks for the post but presumably unlinking OneDrive from your PC prevents all your other files from being backed up/synchronised (eg Excel/Word/3rd party stuff) which sorts of defeats how I use OneDrive when I need access from iPad/IPhone etc. Is there no way of just moving Pictures or Documents out of OneDrive, thereby allowing everything else to synchronise as now?
Stefan Blom 338.6K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-02-16T14:35:04.5833333+00:00

Paul,

My suggestion to unlink OneDrive was primarily for Julia who commented on the sync "experience." Of course, if you depend on storing in OneDrive, turning it off won't be a good idea for you.

You can always create a folder outside of the main OneDrive folder and use it for those files that you do not want to sync.
Paul Bloxidge 15 Reputation points

2026-02-16T14:48:49.95+00:00

Thanks again........but is there any way to move Pictures and Document OUT of OneDrive IF this will cure the problem. Sorry to be dull!
Stefan Blom 338.6K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-02-16T14:59:43.6166667+00:00

Thanks again........but is there any way to move Pictures and Document OUT of OneDrive IF this will cure the problem.

Paul,

Since Pictures and Documents are "special" Windows folders, I don't think that moving the whole folders would work. I would create separate folders for documents and pictures outside of the local OneDrive folder. Name them "My local documents" and "My local pictures" or something like that. You should definitely start your own thread, so that your question gets more attention.
Julia Casey 15 Reputation points

2026-02-16T17:57:20.1166667+00:00
Thank you Stefan!

Paul - I followed the CoPilot instructions to unlink the Photos files and move everything back. I seemed to work (and that may have been my fix) but, again, I'm somewhat clueless. The files did all move back to how they were before OneDrive (without my knowledge) moved them the other day, and this Word problem started for me. Now I can insert photos from my local Photos files into new Word documents.

Per CoPilot-

Let’s Fix It Step by Step

Below are the steps in the order most likely to solve the issue.

Turn Off OneDrive “Backup” for Pictures

This is the #1 fix for your symptoms.

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar.

Select Settings.

Go to Backup.

Click Manage Backup.

If Pictures is being backed up, turn it off.

When you turn it off, OneDrive will ask whether you want to restore the folder to your PC.

Choose Yes — this returns your Pictures folder to true local storage.

After this, restart Word and try inserting again.
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I cannot add any images that are on my device to my Microsoft Word document, I can add images from the web though?

7 answers

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