fix highlight and copy in Word

Question

fix highlight and copy in Word

Saylor HomePC 5

Problem: Word will not let me drag to highlight text for copying. I have tried all the online fixes and including re-installing Word about 5 times. I have used these helps which worked for a few minutes then failure.

https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video;_ylt=A2RRYwQMA8FqywIAJ89XNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwN1cy1lYXN0LTEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Nj?type=E210US714G91917&p=fixing+ms+word+not+highliting+for+copy+and+paste&fr=mcafee&turl=https%3A%2F%2Ftse4.mm.bing.net%2Fth%2Fid%2FOVP._UaZGXHwBHHvmwYT9zL-qQEsDh%3Fpid%3DApi%26w%3D296%26h%3D156%26c%3D7%26p%3D0&rurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D-Ns1JomsGvw&tit=Fix+-+Copy+Paste+Not+Working+in+Microsoft+Word+%7C+5+Methods&pos=01&vid=85574aee6b510babc0d9c7d84d81208b&sigr=aHwclesbIazz&sigt=9GK9zVfzx9oe&sigi=D2CgHTVH0dOr

I need to talk to someone. Word is integral to my work in ministry and life. Please help!!!

Saylor HomePC 5 Reputation points

2026-10-06T17:30:02.2266667+00:00

CAN I TALK TO SOMEONE
Saylor HomePC 5 Reputation points

2026-10-06T17:32:10.2966667+00:00

AI bot replied:

Try this in order, since reinstalling Word already did not fix it: Restart Windows, then test Word again. This is a recommended first step for text-selection issues. Check whether the problem happens in all documents or only one document. If it is only one file, the issue may be specific to that document. If it happens in every file, continue with the steps below. Switch the document view to Print Layout. In Word, go to View > Print Layout. This helps ensure full editing behavior. Check whether editing is restricted. Go to Review > Restrict Editing. If restrictions are turned on, remove them if permitted, or get the password from the document owner. Check whether the document is in Protected View. Go to File > Info > Protect Document. If Word shows Protected View, select Enable Editing if available. [---]

THIS DID NOT WORK
Saylor HomePC 5 Reputation points

2026-10-06T17:39:02.3033333+00:00

i used: command prompt (as admin)/ cmd /c "echo off|clip"

also -- sfc /scannow

also reinstalled office multiple times

1 answer

Your answer

Saylor HomePC 5 Reputation points

2026-10-06T17:30:02.2266667+00:00

CAN I TALK TO SOMEONE
Saylor HomePC 5 Reputation points

2026-10-06T17:32:10.2966667+00:00

AI bot replied:

Try this in order, since reinstalling Word already did not fix it: Restart Windows, then test Word again. This is a recommended first step for text-selection issues. Check whether the problem happens in all documents or only one document. If it is only one file, the issue may be specific to that document. If it happens in every file, continue with the steps below. Switch the document view to Print Layout. In Word, go to View > Print Layout. This helps ensure full editing behavior. Check whether editing is restricted. Go to Review > Restrict Editing. If restrictions are turned on, remove them if permitted, or get the password from the document owner. Check whether the document is in Protected View. Go to File > Info > Protect Document. If Word shows Protected View, select Enable Editing if available. [---]

THIS DID NOT WORK
Saylor HomePC 5 Reputation points

2026-10-06T17:39:02.3033333+00:00

i used: command prompt (as admin)/ cmd /c "echo off|clip"

also -- sfc /scannow

also reinstalled office multiple times

Answer 1

Doug Robbins - MVP - Office Apps and Services 323.7K MVP Volunteer Moderator

As an alternative to click and drag, Left click at the beginning of the text to be selected, then move the mouse to the end of the text and hold down the SHIFT key while Left clicking at that point.

Your problem with clicking and dragging may be caused by a defect in the mouse. Does it affect all applications?

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