Why can't I highlight text to then cut and paste elsewhere in word

Question

Why can't I highlight text to then cut and paste elsewhere in word

Answer 1

The AI bot's #2 point almost addresses the fairly common issue. For specific cause & cure please see this existing Answer to the problem: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/i-can-no-longer-select-a-section-of-text-in-word/0a1caf28-cd0d-4012-81b9-52740c2734d4

Also, follow the link within that reply for additional selection techniques which many users consider to be more accurate & efficient than dragging.

Answer 2

In Word on macOS, loss of the ability to highlight (select) text is typically caused by issues with the drag‑to‑select feature provided by the operating system and used by Word.

When drag selection fails, use these workarounds and checks:

1. Use alternative selection methods (do not rely on dragging)
   • Click at the start of the text, then hold Shift and click at the end of the text to select the entire range.
   • Use the keyboard to select: place the cursor, then hold Shift and use the Arrow keys to extend the selection.
   • These “professional” selection techniques are more accurate and continue to work even when dragging with the mouse or trackpad fails.
2. If using a trackpad or mouse to drag
   • Problems with drag selection are common and usually due to OS‑level input or settings rather than Word itself.
   • If drag selection has stopped working only in Word, restart Word and macOS, then test again.
   • If it fails system‑wide, check macOS trackpad/mouse settings and hardware.
3. If the goal is to select multiple non‑contiguous pieces of text
   • Word does not support selecting multiple separate ranges of text using only the keyboard. When Ctrl and arrow keys are used to move to another area, the existing selection is cleared.
   • To select non‑contiguous text, use the mouse or trackpad:
     1. Select the first block of text.
     2. Hold Command (⌘) or Control (depending on configuration) while selecting the next block with the mouse.
     3. Repeat for additional blocks.
4. If copying multiple blocks of text to paste elsewhere
   • Instead of trying to keep multiple selections active, use Word’s Spike feature:
     • Spike lets multiple blocks of text or content be cut and then pasted all at once, and is separate from the standard clipboard.
     • This is especially useful when working with a screen reader, but works generally for collecting multiple items and pasting them together.

If drag selection still does not work only in Word after trying these methods, reinstalling or updating Word for Mac and checking macOS input settings is recommended.

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References:

• Cannot select non-contiguous text with the keyboard
• Use a screen reader with Spike to cut and paste multiple items in Word
• 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
• Cursor no longer working on Mac to highlight text in Word - Microsoft Q&A
• Block Text - Microsoft Q&A
• How do I select text with a trackpad? - Microsoft Q&A