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Bart Hight 0

Good Morning,

I updated my MacBook Pro to Tahoe 26.1 and it has taken away my ability to select text to copy, paste, highlight, etc. I've done all work arounds (creating new profile, starting in safe mode) and still nothing. I have not tried to go back to Tahoe 26 or Sequoia yet. Want that to be my last resort. Any help appreciated.

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Answer 1

Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 429.6K

I assume you mean that dragging to select isn't behaving as expected. If so please see this existing Answer:

Select Text

If you follow the link of the same name within that thread you'll find alternative techniques wjich are far more accurate & efficacious than dragging.

Bart Hight 0 Reputation points

2025-11-20T21:20:57.5566667+00:00

Hi Bob,

Thank you for the response. I tried that as well, and still having issues.
Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 429.6K Reputation points

2025-11-20T21:55:53.39+00:00

Please go to Word> About Microsoft Word to confirm the present Version Number & type of License for the Office software. Include that info in your reply here.

Have you tried any of the other methods described in the link I referred to? If so, are they working>
Bart Hight 0 Reputation points

2025-11-20T23:32:35.53+00:00

Version 16.103.1 (25111410) ... License is Consumer Subscription. Not sure if this is correct or not.
Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 429.6K Reputation points

2025-11-21T13:49:23.8566667+00:00

Did you restart the Mac after applying tie 16.103.1 update?

Have you tried the other techniques describe in the thread I referred to?

Are you experiencing similar issues in other text-based programs such as PowerPoint, Pages or TextEdit.?
Bart Hight 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T16:35:23.9666667+00:00

Yes, I did restart the Mac after the update. I've tried every technique. I'm having the same issue in Pages, TextEdit, Powerpoint, Notes.
Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 429.6K Reputation points

2025-11-24T20:28:06.0066667+00:00

Since this is occurring in Apple programs as well as in PowerPoint it suggests an issue at the OS level. You can reinstall the OS as instructed in this Apple KB Learn how to use macOS Recovery or contact Apple Support.

Answer 2

It sounds like you're experiencing a frustrating issue with text selection on your MacBook Pro after updating to Tahoe 26.1. Since you've already tried creating a new profile and starting in safe mode without success, here are a few additional steps you might consider:

Check for Updates: Make sure that your macOS and all applications are fully updated, as updates may contain fixes for bugs that could be causing your issue.
Reset NVRAM/PRAM: Sometimes resetting the NVRAM/PRAM can resolve issues related to display and input devices. To do this, restart your Mac and hold down the Option + Command + P + R keys for about 20 seconds.
Safe Mode: Since you mentioned you started in safe mode, ensure that you fully understand how to boot into safe mode and test the functionality there. Safe mode can help isolate issues caused by third-party software.
User Permissions: Check if there are any permission issues with your user account that might be affecting your ability to select text.
Reinstall Applications: If the issue persists, consider reinstalling the applications where you're facing the text selection problem.

If none of these steps work, reverting to Tahoe 26 or Sequoia might be your best option as a last resort.

References:

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