Office Settings & Configuration

Fix Word Alt+I Shortcut Not Working After Update

Huma Ashraf Ch Oct 12, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user's traditional Alt+I keyboard shortcut in Microsoft Word stopped functioning as expected after a recent update because it was reassigned to the new Copilot feature.

How to Fix Word Alt+I Shortcut Not Working After an Update

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Using legacy keyboard shortcuts to access traditional insert menus in Word after a software update.
Observed behavior: Pressing the Alt+I keys together triggers the "Draft with Copilot" command instead of the traditional menu, though pressing and releasing Alt before pressing I still works as an access key.

Before you start

Ensure Microsoft Word is open and that you are not actively running a macro or add-in that might restrict access to the Ribbon customization settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Remove the Alt+I Shortcut from Draft with Copilot

Revert the Alt+I key combination to its legacy behavior by unassigning it from the Copilot command in the Word options menu.

Recent updates to Microsoft Word have automatically assigned the Alt+I shortcut to the 'Draft with Copilot' feature. By manually removing this specific shortcut mapping, you can restore your traditional keyboard workflow and prevent Copilot from hijacking the command.

Open Word Options

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

Access Keyboard Shortcuts

In the Word Options dialog box, select 'Customize Ribbon' from the left-hand panel. At the bottom of the right-hand panel, click the 'Customize...' button next to 'Keyboard shortcuts'.

Locate the Copilot Command

In the Customize Keyboard dialog, scroll down the 'Categories' list on the left and select 'All Commands'. In the 'Commands' list on the right, scroll to find and select 'Draft with Copilot'.

Remove the Key Assignment

Look at the 'Current keys' box to find 'Alt+I'. Select it, click the 'Remove' button at the bottom of the window, and then click 'Close' to save your changes.

Remove the Alt+I Shortcut from Draft with Copilot

Alternative Access Key Method: If you do not wish to change the shortcut settings, you can still access legacy menus by pressing and releasing the 'Alt' key first, and then pressing 'I'. This uses access keys rather than a direct shortcut combination.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Alt+I and Alt+O suddenly stop working in Word?

Recent Microsoft Office updates introduced new AI features and reassigned these legacy combinations to new commands, such as using Alt+I for 'Draft with Copilot'.

What is the difference between Alt+I and pressing Alt then I?

Holding Alt and pressing I (Alt+I) triggers a direct keyboard shortcut command. Pressing and releasing Alt, followed by pressing I, activates the ribbon access keys (accelerators) for step-by-step menu navigation.

Can I assign a different shortcut to Copilot in Word?

Yes. In the Keyboard Shortcuts customization window, you can select 'Draft with Copilot', type a completely new key combination in the 'Press new shortcut key' box, and click 'Assign'.

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