Unable to select text in Word for Mac using the mouse or trackpad.

Vladimir Neagu 5 Reputation points
2026-03-10T11:07:09.3566667+00:00

Hello.

I am unable to (already for a while) to make text selection / highlight using the mouse or trackpad.

It doesn't work when using 'three finger drag' option

It doesn't work when clicking with the button and moving the cursor over the text

It doesn't work when pressing the trackpad hardly and moving the cursor over the text

The only way I can select the text is using the keyboard. I put the cursor where I want and I have to use my arrows on the keyboard and shift to select text, including the command button to select more at once.

I tried erasing the Preferences from Library, I tried to erase other things from Library also related to Word. Nothing seems to be working.

Anyone has experienced this issue?

MacBook Pro M1 Max on Tahoe OS, latest updates from Microsoft Updater, licensed software.

I could use some help to resolve this issue please!

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For education | MacOS
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Vladimir Neagu 5 Reputation points
2026-04-15T07:46:22.74+00:00

Hi Gabriel,

Thanks a lot for your support with this.

I have updated MacOS to Tahoe and since, Word is now allowing me to select text with the mouse click or three finger drag.

Everything is running smoothly now.

Best wishes to you and the entire team at Microsoft .

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  1. Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 437.8K Reputation points
    2026-03-10T17:18:39.3833333+00:00

    Please see this existing Answer which addresses typical cause & cure: Select Text Use Help> Check for Updates in the Word menu bar to retrieve the latest build based on your version of macOS & Office.

    There is a link by the same name within that Answer which describes techniques you may find particularly useful for more efficiently selecting text, especially large passages. Also, see the Select Text & Graphics link in this Word Help article: Keyboard shortcuts in Word

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  2. Vladimir Neagu 5 Reputation points
    2026-03-11T11:57:41.6833333+00:00

    It does happen in each and every document.

    It does happen even in a newly created document from scratch.

    It doesn't happen when I use the same document in online Word, in the browser.

    So something mysterious is happening with the app itself, locally that is preventing me to select text.

    I have just created a text box now, to see if I can use Three finger drag or mouse buttons to move around the text box over the word page.

    Upon creating the text box, using three fingers, it doesn't create it initially, unless I release the trackpad, making it look like it was already created and then remaining the 'adjusting size' things locked, like I would keep holding the trackpad touched when I don't.

    After I created the textbox, I am able to move the textbox normally using three finger drag or the mouse button. I still, cannot select the text written inside the textbox.

    Maybe it helps.

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  3. Vladimir Neagu 5 Reputation points
    2026-03-11T08:56:31.6433333+00:00

    I have managed to update Word to a newer version even than suggested. I attached the screenshot.

    Still, text selection is not working.

    I don't see this being resolved, probably I will uninstall it completely and reinstall it back on the laptop.

    Nothing I was told is working. Sorry.

    Screenshot 2026-03-11 at 08.54.37

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  4. Anonymous
    2026-03-10T11:43:10.17+00:00

    Dear Vladimir Neagu

    Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A forum.

    You mentioned that you are using the latest version of the Office apps. Could you please confirm whether the version installed is 16.106.3 (26030211)? Please refer to the screenshot below for instructions on how to check the Office version.

    User's image

    Regarding this issue, I recommend restarting your Mac first, as many users have reported that this step helps restore the ability to select text in certain scenarios.

    You may also try the following alternative text‑selection methods in Word for Mac.

    • To select a section of text, click at the beginning of the content, scroll if needed, then hold the Shift key and click at the end of the desired passage.
    • To select a single word, double‑click the word.
    • To select an entire sentence, hold the Command key and click anywhere within the sentence.
    • To select a full paragraph, triple‑click anywhere in the paragraph.

    If the above steps do not apply to your situation, you may consider reverting to an older Office version where the issue does not occur. You can find the update history for Office for Mac at the following link: Update history for Office for Mac

    I hope this information is helpful. Please try these steps and let me know your results.

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.  

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