Pen not working with Word document

Question

I have been using the same Word (office 365 document for a couple of years. Now when I attempt to write in it with my surface pen, none of it will safe. All of my strokes are disappearing. Do you have any solution?

Answer 1

Hi, @Peggy Renner, PhD

First, please test the pen in a new blank Word document. Draw a few strokes, save the file, close Word, then reopen it and check if the ink is still there.

If the issue only happens with this one document, save a copy using File > Save As and test the copy.

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If the issue still persists, to help narrow down the issue:

1. Do the pen strokes disappear immediately while you are writing, or only after you save/close the document?
2. Does the pen work normally in a new Word document or in another app such as Microsoft Whiteboard?
3. Is this Word document saved locally on the PC or in OneDrive?

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Click "Add comment" to let me know.

Thanks!

Answer 2

Try this sequence:

1. Restart the Surface: Start > Power > Restart.
2. Test the pen in another inking app such as OneNote, Sticky Notes, or Paint.
   • If ink saves normally there, the Word document or Word app is likely the issue.
   • If strokes disappear there too, continue with device troubleshooting.
3. Check the Surface app:
   • Open the Surface app.
   • Expand Help & support.
   • Install any available updates through Check for updates.
   • Use Get help in the app to check for detected issues.
4. Confirm the device supports pen input. Some models do not support inking or writing with Surface Pen, including:
   • Surface Laptop (8th Edition)
   • Surface Laptop 13-inch
   • Surface Laptop (7th Edition)
   • Surface Laptop Go (all editions)
5. Make sure the pen has power:
   • Surface Slim Pen: fully charge it.
   • Other Surface Pens: use fresh batteries.
6. If the problem happens in all apps, manually install the correct Surface drivers and firmware for the device model and Windows version. Missing touchscreen-related drivers such as Surface Touch firmware or HID-Compliant Touchscreen can affect inking.
7. If writing is jagged or inaccurate, try removing and re-inserting the pen tip or replacing the tip. Do not repeatedly remove and reinsert a Surface Slim Pen 2 tip, because excessive cycles can damage the pen and cause inking failures.
8. If the issue still continues, reset the Surface and test the pen again. This can affect device setup, so use the recommended reset steps carefully.

If the pen works in other apps but not in the same Word file, the supported guidance indicates the original app may not support pen input correctly in that scenario, and the app provider should be contacted.

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References:

• Steps to try if your Surface Pen won't ink or write
• Troubleshoot your Surface Pen
• How to use your Surface Pen