Microsoft Word Draw Pens Randomly Stop Working

Ben Shaines 0 Reputation points
2026-10-14T01:08:48.1966667+00:00

Hi,

I'm having an issue with the built-in pens in Microsoft Word's Draw tab (not a physical stylus).

The drawing tools randomly stop working, usually after a few seconds.

Turning my computer screen off and back on temporarily fixes the issue, but it keeps happening.

Has anyone experienced this or found a permanent solution?

Video demonstrating the issue: [Moderator Note: Personal Info Removed]

Thanks! EDIT:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HvjyNgO2rKCfLMJNwnCLlZO3CVM-LvpX/view?usp=sharing

Now the video is good, there is a blockage of the video when I turned on\off the screen

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows ink and touch
0 comments

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Clary-N 17,000 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-10-14T08:24:18.3466667+00:00

    Since this is a public forum, we will hide your personal identifiable information, and I have sent that link containing your personal identifiable information in a private message so we can work together to resolve the issue. Also, please check your private message in case you want to share another screenshot or file to avoid leaking your PII by click on the Message button as show below

    User's image

    Hi Ben Shaines,

    Thanks for explaining the issue and including a video. Unfortunately, I’m unable to access the Google Drive link from here, but the details you provided are still helpful. Since turning the screen off and back on temporarily restores the drawing tools, the problem may be related to Word losing mouse or display input rather than the pens themselves.

    Could you confirm a few details to help narrow this down?

    • Which Word version and build are you using? You can find this under File > Account > About Word.
    • Are you drawing with a mouse, touchpad or touchscreen?
    • Does the same thing happen in a new blank document?
    • When drawing stops, does selecting the pen again restore it or does Word stop accepting drawing input completely?

    Please also make sure the document is set to View > Print Layout, as Word needs to be in Print Layout to draw with ink.

    You can then test Word in Safe Mode:

    1. Press Windows key + R.
    2. Enter winword /safe, then press Enter.
    3. Open a blank document and test the drawing tools again.

    If the pens work normally in Safe Mode, an add-in may be interfering. Open File > Options > Add-ins, select COM Add-ins beside Manage, choose Go and temporarily disable the enabled add-ins before testing Word normally again.

    If the issue continues in Safe Mode, make sure Office and the graphics driver are fully updated. You can also try repairing Office through Settings > Apps > Apps & features by selecting your Microsoft 365 or Office installation and choosing Modify. Start with Quick Repair, then try Online Repair if needed.

    Since Windows 10 has reached end of support, you may also consider upgrading to a supported version of Windows if your device is compatible and upgrading is possible.

    I hope these checks help narrow down whether the problem is coming from Word, an add-in or the graphics/input side.

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.