Selecting Text to Paste

On Word for Mac, this issue is commonly caused by a temporary bug in Word or macOS, or by a system update that fixes the behavior.

Use these steps in order:

1. Quit and restart Word
   • Close all Word documents.
   • Quit Word completely (Word > Quit Word).
   • Reopen Word and test selecting text with the mouse/trackpad.
2. Use keyboard selection as a workaround
   • Place the insertion point where selection should start.
   • Hold Shift and use the arrow keys to extend the selection.
   • Use ⌘+C to copy, ⌘+X to cut, and ⌘+V to paste.
3. Update macOS
   • Open System Settings (or System Preferences) on the Mac.
   • Go to Software Update and install the latest macOS updates.
   • Restart the Mac and test Word again.
   • In a reported case, updating macOS (e.g., to a newer release such as Tahoe) restored normal mouse/trackpad text selection in Word.
4. If the problem persists
   • Check existing guidance and known causes/fixes in the “Select Text” threads referenced in the Microsoft Q&A answers for similar issues (mouse/trackpad unable to select text in Word for Mac). These threads also describe alternative selection techniques that are often more accurate and efficient than dragging.

Once macOS and Word are up to date and restarted, text selection with the cursor should return to normal default behavior.

References:

• I cannot copy text on word. I have a MacBook and I can highlight and copy on every other platform but Word. Any fix or solution? - Microsoft Q&A
• I can't highlight with my mouse cursor in word documents - Microsoft Q&A
• Unable to select text in Word for Mac using the mouse or trackpad. - Microsoft Q&A
• Cursor no longer working on Mac to highlight text in Word - Microsoft Q&A
• How do I select text with a trackpad? - Microsoft Q&A