When trying to select text to copy and paste, the place selected jumps elsewhere

Question

When I click left and try and drag the cursor over text that I want to copy and paste, part of the blue or grey highlighted area showing the text selected jumps to other text, or becomes unhighlighted. I suspect there has been a recent update that has caused it as I didn't have this problem until recently, and that it may have something to do with the mini taskbar appearing above the cursor being turned on. I think I had a similar problem in the past and was able to fix it by turning off the mini taskbar, but I haven't been able to work out how to do that in the latest version of Office. It happens in Outlook as well as other Office programs. Any ideas on how I can fix this would be much appreciated!

Answer 1

Hi Andrew,

This is April, I'll be happy to assist you. Sorry to hear that you're having issue with Outlook. Let me help you out.

Based on the description you provided, when you try to select text to copy in Office apps, the highlight jumps or disappears unexpectedly.

The issue is likely caused by the Mini Toolbar interfering with text selection in Office apps. Other contributing factors could include touch input misinterpretation, graphics acceleration glitches or a recent Office update introducing UI bugs.

Here's how to disable it across Office apps like Word, Outlook, Excel or PowerPoint:

In Outlook:

1. Open File > Options
2. Under the General tab, locate "Show Mini Toolbar on selection."
3. Clear the checkbox to disable it.
4. Select OK to save your changes.

In Word, Excel, PowerPoint:

1. Launch the application (e.g., Word).
2. Go to File > Options.
3. In the General tab, find "Show Mini Toolbar on selection" setting.
4. Uncheck the box.
5. Click OK to confirm and apply the change.

This should stop the floating toolbar from appearing when you select text, which in turn should stabilize the selection behavior.

If the issue continues, please don’t hesitate to contact us again. We’re here to help, and we appreciate your continued trust in us.

Warm Regards,

April P.

Independent Advisor

Answer 2

Hi April,

Thank you so much for your help! I have now found where to do that in Word.

In Outlook, though, I cannot seem to find the File tab anywhere. I only have a number of icons going down the top left hand of my screen for Mail, Calendar, People, etc.

I have tried looking in the General Options, as well as in my Account Manager but with no luck.

Any further suggestions would be a big help!

Best regards

Andrew B