Fix Command+Shift+S Save As Shortcut Not Working in Office for Mac
Question details
The user is unable to use the Command+Shift+S keyboard shortcut to trigger the Save As function in Microsoft Office for Mac.

- Product
- Microsoft Office for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to save an existing document as a new file using the standard macOS Save As keyboard shortcut.
- Observed behavior
- Pressing Command+Shift+S does nothing, failing to open the Save As dialog box despite the software and operating system being fully updated.
Verify your exact macOS and Microsoft Office versions, and try performing a simple system restart to clear out temporary system glitches before changing settings.
Verify and Reassign the Shortcut in Office Preferences
Check if the keyboard shortcut has been unassigned or overwritten, and map it back to the Save As command.
Sometimes Office updates or accidental keystrokes can remove the default shortcut bindings. Reassigning the shortcut directly in the app preferences ensures the command is properly linked.
Launch Microsoft Word (or the affected Office application). Click on 'Word' in the top Apple menu bar, then select 'Preferences'.
In the Preferences window, click on 'Ribbon and Toolbar', then select the 'Customize Keyboard' button at the bottom.
Under 'Categories', select 'File'. Under 'Commands', scroll down and select 'SaveAs'.
Click inside the 'Press new keyboard shortcut' box, press Command+Shift+S on your keyboard, and click 'Assign' to restore the function. Click 'OK' to save your changes.

Use Alternative Keyboard Shortcuts
If the Command+Shift+S shortcut is experiencing a deep system conflict, you can use built-in alternative keys to trigger the Save As function immediately.
Boot Mac in Safe Mode to Identify Conflicts
Start your Mac in Safe Mode to rule out third-party background applications that might be hijacking the keyboard shortcut.
Use WPS Office for a Seamless Mac Experience
Tired of shortcut conflicts and persistent bugs in Microsoft Office for Mac? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative with intuitive, native Mac keyboard shortcuts that work flawlessly.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version of WPS Office for free.
- 2. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files without losing any formatting.
- 3. Enjoy Flawless Shortcuts: Use native Mac shortcuts like Command+Shift+S reliably, without background conflicts or setup hassles.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Command+Shift+S shortcut suddenly stop working on Mac?
This commonly happens when background software updates (such as screen recording tools, snipping tools, or clipboard managers) hijack the shortcut for their own functions, or when an Office update accidentally resets your custom keyboard preferences.
Can I reset all Microsoft Word keyboard shortcuts to default on Mac?
Yes. You can reset all shortcuts by going to Word > Preferences > Ribbon and Toolbar > Customize Keyboard. From there, click the 'Reset All' button to restore the application to its factory default shortcut settings.
How do I find out which Mac app is stealing my keyboard shortcuts?
Boot your Mac into Safe Mode to check if the shortcut works. If it does, a background app is causing the issue. Restart normally and systematically quit apps running in your menu bar (like Alfred, Snagit, or BetterTouchTool) until the Save As shortcut functions again.




