Fix Word Text Boxes Cannot Be Resized After Microsoft 365 Update
Question details
Users are unable to resize text boxes or are experiencing misaligned printed mailing labels in Microsoft Word following a recent software update.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Formatting a document that contains text boxes or generating mailing labels after installing the latest Office updates.
- Observed behavior
- Text box resizing handles become unresponsive or difficult to use, and printed labels appear misaligned due to an update-related bug.
Before troubleshooting, confirm your exact Microsoft Word version under the Account settings and check if any newer patches have been released to address this known bug.
Test for Document-Specific Issues and Check for Updates
Determine if the resizing bug is isolated to a specific file and ensure you have the latest Microsoft 365 patches installed.
Sometimes formatting glitches only affect specific older documents. Testing in a fresh file helps isolate whether the issue is system-wide or document-specific.
Open Microsoft Word, select 'File', and click 'New' to create a blank document.
Go to the 'Insert' tab, click 'Text Box', draw a simple text box, and attempt to drag the corner handles to resize it.
Navigate to 'File' > 'Account'. Under 'Product Information', click 'Update Options' and select 'Update Now' to download any available bug fixes.
Report the Bug to Microsoft Developers
Since this is a known issue caused by an update, reporting it directly from your account helps developers prioritize a fix.
Edit Documents Flawlessly with WPS Office
If Microsoft 365 updates are causing disruptive bugs with text boxes and labels, try WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight alternative offering excellent compatibility with Word documents without unexpected update glitches.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Install the free WPS Office suite on your computer.
- 2. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx file.
- 3. Edit without glitches: Select your text boxes and freely resize or format them without update-related bugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I resize text boxes in Word after an update?
Recent Microsoft 365 updates have occasionally introduced known bugs that freeze the resizing handles on text boxes and affect label alignment. Microsoft developers usually patch these issues in subsequent updates.
Are text boxes and mailing labels the same feature in Word?
No, they are separate features. Text boxes are inserted via the Insert tab for layout purposes, while mailing labels are generated through the Mailings tab. However, core update bugs can sometimes affect the formatting engine of both simultaneously.
How do I find my current Microsoft Word version?
Open Microsoft Word, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Account'. Your version, build number, and update channel will be displayed on the right side under 'About Word'.
