Office Settings & Configuration

Fix Apostrophe Keyboard Shortcut Not Working in Word

Muhammad Talha Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to use a keyboard shortcut to insert an apostrophe in Microsoft Word.

How to Fix the Apostrophe Keyboard Shortcut Not Working in Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Typing and formatting documents in Word using a Slovak keyboard layout.
Observed behavior: The standard apostrophe keyboard shortcut does not output the character in Word, despite functioning correctly in other applications.

Before you start

Verify that your operating system's keyboard layout is firmly set to Slovak and try restarting your computer to clear any temporary application glitches.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Editing Language and Keyboard Layout

Ensuring Word recognizes the correct input language and keyboard layout can resolve shortcut conflicts.

Sometimes Microsoft Word overrides system keyboard settings based on the document's proofing language. Matching the Word editing language to your system keyboard layout often restores functionality.

Restart Microsoft Word

Close all active Word documents and completely restart the application to refresh input settings.

Check Windows Keyboard Layout

Look at the system tray in the bottom-right corner of your screen and ensure the language is set to Slovak (SLV).

Verify Word Options

Navigate to File > Options > Language in Word. Ensure that Slovak is added to the Office authoring languages and set as preferred.

Verify Editing Language and Keyboard Layout

Automatic Language Switching: Windows may automatically switch keyboard layouts if you press Alt + Shift. Be mindful of accidental presses.

Solution 2

Insert Symbol and Assign a Custom Shortcut

If the default shortcut remains unresponsive, manually assigning a new keyboard combination guarantees you can insert the apostrophe quickly.

Easily Manage Keyboard Shortcuts and Symbols with WPS Writer

WPS Writer provides a highly intuitive interface for inserting special characters and mapping custom keyboard shortcuts, ensuring seamless typing across various international layouts like Slovak.

1. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open a new or existing text document.
2. Access the Symbol Menu: Navigate to the Insert tab on the top ribbon and click on Symbol, then select Custom Symbol.
3. Assign a New Shortcut: Select the apostrophe character, click in the Shortcut keys field, press your preferred key combination, and save your preferences.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word documents (.docx)Easily assign and manage custom keyboard shortcuts for any symbolFlawless support for international keyboard layouts without conflictsFree, lightweight, and fast document processing

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my keyboard shortcut work in web browsers but not in Word?

Word uses its own internal shortcut mapping and proofing language settings, which can sometimes conflict with or override default system keyboard layouts.

How can I restore all default keyboard shortcuts in Word?

Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon, click the Customize button next to Keyboard shortcuts, and then click Reset All at the bottom of the dialog.

Does the Slovak keyboard layout require a specific font for apostrophes?

No, standard apostrophes are included in almost all standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, and Times New Roman regardless of the keyboard layout used.

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