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Can’t Highlight in Microsoft Word: 4 Steps to Fix it
Adjust the highlight color in Registry Editor to troubleshoot the issue
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Microsoft Word can sometimes develop issueslike any other computer program. Some of our readers have recently complained about how they can’t highlight in Microsoft Word on their Windows PC.
If you have been wondering why your Microsoft Word couldn’t highlight, this article will take you through the causes and detailed steps to apply to fix the issue.
Why can’t I highlight words in Microsoft Word?
You can’t highlight Microsoft Word documents on your PC for several reasons. The following are some of the possible causes:
Now that you know some possible reasons why you can’t highlight on Microsoft Word, let’s proceed to how to fix the issue.
What can I do if Microsoft is not letting me highlight?
Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting tweaks, you should consider performing the following initial checks:
Having applied the above checks, if you require a detailed step-by-step guide on what to do to fix the error, you can explore the fixes provided below;
1. Adjust the highlight color in Registry Editor
Once you have adjusted thehighlight color, try to highlight words in Microsoft Word again to see if the error has been fixed. Proceed to the next fix if it persists.
2. Disable compatibility mode in MS Word
Afterdisabling the compatibility mode in the Microsoft Word app, now try to highlight texts and see if the issue has been fixed. If not, proceed to the next fix.
3. Disable Word’s Protected View settings
Afterdisabling Word’s Protected Viewoptions, you can now try to highlight texts in your Word app.
4. Reinstall Microsoft Office
Byreinstalling the Microsoft Office app, you should be able to eliminate application-related issues disallowing you from highlighting in Word. It will also help to update Microsoft Office to the latest version.
If yourWord is experiencing an error while trying to open files, you can explore this guide for quick fixes to apply.
Similarly, our readers have recently reported thatthey can’t edit Word documents, but our detailed guide has helped a lot to fix the issue. You can also check it out.
With the steps provided above, you can now highlight your text in Microsoft Word. Do not hesitate to use the comments section below if you have any questions or suggestions.
More about the topics:Microsoft Word issues
Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts.
Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you’ll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.
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Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a tech enthusiast who tackles mobility, privacy, and networking in easy-to follow guides for everyone.
