Document Editing Problems

Fix Cannot Highlight Text Across Columns in a Word Table

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 871 views

Question details

Users are unable to highlight or select text properly across multiple columns in a Microsoft Word table by dragging the mouse, often occurring after a recent Microsoft 365 update.

Product: Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365)
Device & OS: Windows 11
Scenario: Attempting to select text or multiple cells across different columns within a Word table using a mouse drag.
Observed behavior: Dragging the mouse across columns fails to highlight the expected text or cells, appearing as a visual or selection bug.

Before you start

Ensure you have saved your current document and closed any background applications to rule out temporary memory or display glitches.

Solution 1Recommended

Update and Repair Microsoft 365

Installing the latest Office updates and running an Online Repair can fix core compatibility or display bugs introduced in recent patches.

Update Office

Open any Office app like Word, go to File > Account, and select Update Options > Update Now to install the latest patches.

Open Windows Settings

If the issue persists, press Windows + I to open Settings and navigate to Apps > Installed apps.

Run Online Repair

Find Microsoft 365 in the list, click the three dots, select Modify, and choose Online Repair to fix application errors.

Solution 2

Use Keyboard Selection and Alternative Methods

Since mouse dragging might suffer from visual bugs, utilizing keyboard shortcuts or Excel can temporarily bypass the table selection issue.

Solution 3

Temporarily Disable COM Add-ins

Conflicting third-party add-ins might interfere with Word's graphical interface and text selection mechanics.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Edit Documents Flawlessly with WPS Office

If Microsoft Word continues to experience visual bugs or selection issues on your system, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, lightweight, and free alternative for all your document editing needs without the frustrating display glitches.

1. Download WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your Windows PC.
2. Open Your Document: Right-click your problematic Word document and select 'Open with > WPS Office'.
3. Edit Seamlessly: Edit your tables and highlight text across columns smoothly without encountering display bugs.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formats and tables.Free to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate user interface.Lightweight design ensures smooth performance without visual dragging bugs.Seamless migration with no learning curve required.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I highlight text across columns in my Word table?

This is often caused by a visual or display bug introduced in a recent Microsoft 365 or Copilot update, graphical conflicts on specific OS versions like Windows 11, or interfering COM add-ins.

Can I still select multiple columns without dragging my mouse?

Yes, you can click the first cell, hold the Shift key, and click the final cell to highlight multiple columns. You can also use Shift + Arrow keys to manually expand your selection.

Will reinstalling Microsoft 365 fix the table selection bug?

Reinstalling or running an Online Repair can sometimes resolve the issue. However, if it is a known graphical bug associated with your current Windows 11 build or graphics card, you may need to wait for a subsequent Microsoft patch.

Document & File Issues