Ctrl + b is not working in Microsoft

Question

I noticed today that I was unable to bold my text using the Ctrl + b shortcut in Microsoft Word. The Ctrl + I and Ctrl + U work as per usual, just the bold shortcut isn't working. I'm unable to bold my text in Microsoft OneNote as well. I have already tried resetting my ribbon customisation but it still didn't work. I also haven't downloaded anything new applications recently, the shortcut was still working two days ago. I have the same problem as from this post https://answers.microsoft.comhttps://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/ctrl-b-not-working-to-bold-text/942b5273-4095-440c-9a33-511f1f201762/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/ctrl-b-not-working-to-bold-text/942b5273-4095-440c-9a33-511f1f201762, but the post didn't give a resolution in the end.

Answer 1

Hi Samantha,

Thanks for contacting us and sorry for the inconveniences,

This could be due to a number of reasons, such as:

• Your keyboard driver is outdated or corrupted and needs to be updated or reinstalled. You can check and update your keyboard driver by following the instructions in this https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/mouse-and-keyboard-problems-in-windows-94b4ca7b-4f2f-077e-4eb4-f7b4ecdf4f61
• Your Ctrl + b shortcut is overridden or disabled by another program or add-in that you have installed or used recently. You can check and remove any conflicting program or add-in by following the instructions in https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/office/dev/add-ins/testing/testing-and-troubleshooting

I hope this helps!

Regards, Sola

Answer 2

Hi Sola, thanks for your reply. The shortcut was working today, but it has stopped working again. I suspect it is because of an application that disables it when opened. It seems likely as the application has permissions to disable certain functions.

Answer 3

The shortcut was working today, but it has stopped working again. I suspect it is because of an application that disables it when opened. It seems likely as the application has permissions to disable certain functions.

In word, you can try the alternative shortcut Ctrl+Shift+B which will also apply bold formatting.

If that also fails, you can assign a custom shortcut in the Customize Keyboard dialog box (File > Options > Customize Ribbon > Customize).