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How to Fix Word Translator Not Translating Text in Tables
Question details
Users need to resolve an issue where the built-in Word Translator fails to properly translate content inside tables or disrupts the table formatting.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to translate a Word document that contains tables with formatted text.
- Observed behavior
- The Translator processes regular document text correctly but ignores text inside tables, mistranslates it, or completely corrupts the existing table formatting. This is often observed after a recent Microsoft 365 update.
Before proceeding, check if the translation issue is isolated to a specific document by attempting to translate a new, blank document containing a simple test table.
Use Word for the Web and Check for Updates
Since this is a known bug in recent Microsoft 365 updates (such as version 2404), using the web version might bypass the local desktop application glitch while you wait for an update.
Microsoft is actively investigating translation failures related to table formatting. Until a permanent patch is deployed to the desktop application, utilizing the cloud-based Word for the Web is the most reliable workaround.
Navigate to office.com in your browser, sign in with your Microsoft account, upload your affected document, and try using the Translate feature online.
Open your desktop Word application, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Account'.
Under the Product Information section, click on 'Update Options' and select 'Update Now' to ensure you have the latest bug fixes installed.
Report the Bug to Microsoft Support
Submitting detailed feedback helps Microsoft engineers isolate the bug and release a fix for the Translator tool more rapidly.
Use WPS Office for Reliable Document Translation and Formatting
If Microsoft Word bugs are disrupting your workflow, WPS Office offers a highly compatible, free alternative. Its built-in translation features effectively handle complex document layouts and table formatting without the glitches found in recent Microsoft 365 updates.
- 1. Open your document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your .docx file containing the tables.
- 2. Access the Translation Tool: Navigate to the 'Review' tab on the top ribbon and click on 'Translate'.
- 3. Translate Tables Safely: Choose 'Translate Document' or 'Translate Selected Text' to convert your table text while keeping all your formatting intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word Translator ruin my table formatting?
Recent updates to Microsoft 365 introduced a known bug that affects how the Translator processes text confined within table cells. This glitch can strip table formatting or cause the translator to skip the text entirely.
Can I translate just the text inside the table without affecting the whole document?
Yes, you can highlight the specific text inside the table, right-click, and select 'Translate' to open the Translator pane for just that selection. This targeted approach sometimes bypasses document-wide formatting bugs.
Will reverting to an older version of Microsoft Word fix the translator bug?
Since this issue emerged in newer builds like version 2404, rolling back your Microsoft 365 installation to a previous version using the Office Deployment Tool can temporarily resolve the issue until Microsoft releases a permanent fix.
Does Word for the Web have the same table translation bug as the desktop app?
Often, Word for the Web operates on a different update cycle than the local desktop application. Many users find that translating documents via the browser version works correctly even when the desktop app fails.
