Cursor highlight text in Word

Dragging with the cursor to select text in Word on Windows can fail for several underlying reasons, but the most common user-level fixes are already summarized in the “Select Text” guidance referenced in the existing answers.

Since clicking still selects single words/lines but dragging does not, the issue is typically with the drag-selection behavior itself rather than with Word’s ability to select text. The recommended next step is to review the detailed “Select Text” guidance and alternative selection methods described there. Those threads explain both causes and cures for drag-selection problems, and also describe more precise and efficient selection techniques (keyboard- and click-based) that work even when dragging does not.

In practice, that guidance walks through:

• Common configuration or interaction issues that stop drag-selection from working.
• How to use alternative selection methods (e.g., click+Shift, keyboard shortcuts, and other non-drag techniques) so that text can still be selected and edited reliably.

Following that “Select Text” material is the supported path when all basic fixes have already been tried and dragging still fails.

References:

• Cursor no longer working on Mac to highlight text in Word - Microsoft Q&A
• I can't highlight with my mouse cursor in word documents - Microsoft Q&A
• 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
• How do I select text with a trackpad? - Microsoft Q&A