Keyboard unresponsive in Word

Question

I have a Macbook air and subscribe to Microsoft 365. I have used it over the past few years with no problems.until a few days. I now get no response to the keyboard in Word. The cursor is flashing but nothing happens when I press a key.The keyboard works normally in Excel.

Answer 1

Hi Catherine,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A and providing details about your issue. This often related to accessibility settings, software glitches, or add-ins. First try to toggle Mouse Keys: This accessibility feature can interfere with keyboard input. Press the Option (⌥) key five times quickly to toggle it off. If enabled accidentally, this often resolves it. This seems to work for some Mac user: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6605093?answerId=27326637022&sortBy=rank#27326637022

Note: This information is provided as a convenience to you. These sites are not controlled by Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot make any representations regarding the quality, safety, or suitability of any software or information found there. Please ensure that you fully understand the risks before using any suggestions from the above link.

Activation: Even with a long-term subscription, sometimes reactivation helps. In Word, go to Help > Activate Product (or sign out/in via Account menu). If preferences are grayed out, this might be related. this was mentioned in a similar post: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5421407/keyboard-wont-work-for-word-on-a-mac

Reinstall Word: As a last resort, uninstall via the App Store or Microsoft site, then reinstall from your 365 account.

If these don't resolve it, please comment and provide more details like your macOS version, Word version and whether this happens in new/existing documents or both.

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Answer 2

Have look in > System Settings> Privacy & Security - Full Disk Access to be sure the switch for Microsoft Word is toggled On.

Answer 3

Have you tried simply restarting the Mac?

Beyond that confirm that both your installation of macOS ^ Office are fully updated. If you provide the present Version Numbers they can be confirmed for you.

If it's a wireless keyboard try installing fresh batteries.