Formatting Issues

How to Copy and Paste Formatting with Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows 11

Olivia Miller Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is searching for a universal Windows 11 keyboard shortcut (like Ctrl+Alt+C and Ctrl+Alt+V) to copy and paste text formatting across all applications.

How to Copy and Paste Formatting with Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows 11

Product: Windows 11, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: Windows 11
Scenario: Attempting to copy specific text formatting and apply it to other text using standard keyboard combinations.
Observed behavior: The formatting shortcuts do not work universally across the operating system. The behavior changes or fails depending entirely on the specific application being used, such as Word or Excel.

Before you start

Keep in mind that Windows 11 does not have a built-in, universal shortcut for copying and pasting formats across all applications. You will need to verify and configure the specific formatting shortcut settings within the individual application you are using.

Solution 1Recommended

Check and Customize Formatting Shortcuts in Microsoft Word

Since there is no universal Windows shortcut, you must verify or assign the format copying shortcuts directly inside Microsoft Word's settings.

Microsoft Word allows you to map specific keyboard combinations to the 'CopyFormat' and 'PasteFormat' commands. If default shortcuts like Ctrl+Shift+C are not working, you can manually reassign them.

Open Word Options

Launch Microsoft Word. Click on 'File' in the top left corner, then select 'Options' at the bottom of the left-hand menu.

Access Customize Keyboard

In the Word Options dialog box, click on 'Customize Ribbon' on the left side. Then, click the 'Customize' button next to 'Keyboard shortcuts' at the bottom of the window.

Locate Formatting Commands

In the Customize Keyboard dialog box, select 'All Commands' from the Categories list. Scroll through the Commands list on the right and locate 'CopyFormat'.

Verify or Assign Shortcuts

Click on 'CopyFormat' and look at the 'Current keys' box to see assigned shortcuts. To add a new one, click the 'Press new shortcut key' box, press your desired combination (such as Ctrl+Shift+C), and click 'Assign'. Repeat this process for the 'PasteFormat' command.

Check and Customize Formatting Shortcuts in Microsoft Word

Shortcut Variations: Depending on your specific Microsoft Office installation, version, or regional settings, the CopyFormat command may default to Ctrl+Shift+S instead of Ctrl+Shift+C or Ctrl+Alt+C.

Solution 2

Paste Unformatted Text in Web Browsers

If you are trying to handle formatting in web browsers, you can use a near-universal shortcut to paste text while stripping away its original formatting.

Efficient Formatting in WPS Office

Copy and Paste Formatting Seamlessly in WPS Office

WPS Office offers intuitive, built-in tools like the Format Painter, allowing you to quickly copy formatting from one section of your document and apply it to another using standard, reliable keyboard shortcuts.

1. Select Source Text: Open your document in WPS Writer and highlight the text that has the desired formatting you want to duplicate.
2. Copy the Formatting: Press the standard keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+C to copy only the text's formatting to your clipboard.
3. Apply to Target Text: Highlight the new text you wish to format and press Ctrl+Shift+V to seamlessly apply the copied styles.

Reliable, built-in formatting shortcuts (Ctrl+Shift+C and Ctrl+Shift+V)High compatibility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatsFree and lightweight office suite with a familiar user interface

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a universal shortcut to copy and paste formatting in Windows 11?

No, Windows 11 does not have an OS-level universal shortcut for copying and pasting formatting. Shortcut behavior depends entirely on the specific software application you are using.

Why isn't Ctrl+Alt+C copying the format in Microsoft Excel?

Ctrl+Alt+C is not a standard formatting shortcut for Microsoft Excel. In Excel, it is highly recommended to use the Format Painter button located on the Home tab of the ribbon to duplicate cell formatting.

How can I restore the default formatting shortcuts in Microsoft Word?

Navigate to File > Options > Customize Ribbon, and click the Customize button next to Keyboard shortcuts. Select 'All Commands' as the category, find 'CopyFormat' and 'PasteFormat', and reassign your preferred keys, or click 'Reset All' at the bottom to restore the default settings.

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