Office for Mac Issues

Fix Word for Mac 2019 Unexpected Cursor and Italic Text Changes

WPS Content Manager Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is experiencing formatting and typing glitches in Microsoft Word 2019 after updating their Mac operating system.

How to Fix Word 2019 for Mac Unexpected Cursor and Italic Text Changes

Product: Microsoft Word 2019 for Mac
Device & OS: macOS (Sonoma, Sequoia)
Scenario: Typing and formatting documents in Word 2019 on a Mac running a recently updated operating system.
Observed behavior: The text cursor moves unexpectedly, and the font formatting randomly changes to italics while typing.

Before you start

Check your current macOS version and verify your installed Microsoft Word version to confirm if you are running an unsupported combination.

Solution 1Recommended

Upgrade to a Supported Microsoft Office Version

Since Office 2019 is discontinued and incompatible with newer macOS updates, upgrading your software is the most reliable fix.

Microsoft has ended support for Office 2019 for Mac (version 16.78 and earlier). It was not designed for modern operating systems like macOS Sonoma or Sequoia, which leads to graphical glitches, unexpected cursor jumps, and formatting bugs.

Choose an upgrade path

Navigate to the Microsoft website to evaluate your options: subscribing to Microsoft 365 or purchasing a perpetual license for Office 2024.

Purchase a standalone app

If you only use Word and dislike subscriptions, search for 'Word standalone version' on the Microsoft Store to buy a perpetual license for just the Word application.

Install the update

Download the new installation package from your Microsoft account dashboard, run the installer, and sign in to activate your new, macOS-compatible software.

Upgrade to a Supported Microsoft Office Version

Single App Option: A perpetual license does not require an annual subscription, though it has a fixed support lifecycle.

Solution 2

Use Microsoft Office Web Apps

A free alternative if you do not want to purchase a new license or subscribe to Microsoft 365.

Solution 3

Downgrade macOS (Not Recommended)

Reverting your Mac's operating system to an older version that supports Word 2019.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for Mac for Seamless Document Editing

If you want to avoid paying for a Microsoft 365 subscription or a new standalone license, WPS Office is a highly compatible, free alternative perfectly optimized for the latest macOS versions like Sequoia and Sonoma.

1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version.
2. Install and open: Drag the application into your Applications folder and launch WPS Office.
3. Edit your documents: Open your existing .docx files and enjoy uninterrupted typing with no unexpected cursor jumping.

Fully compatible and optimized for macOS Sequoia and Apple Silicon chips.Seamlessly opens, edits, and saves Microsoft Word (.docx) formats without layout distortion.Free and lightweight alternative without mandatory annual subscriptions.Familiar user interface that requires no learning curve to start typing right away.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Word 2019 acting glitchy on macOS Sequoia?

Word 2019 for Mac (version 16.78 and earlier) is a discontinued product that was not optimized for modern macOS releases. This incompatibility causes input bugs, cursor jumping, and formatting glitches.

Do I have to buy the entire Office suite if I only need Word?

No. Microsoft offers standalone perpetual licenses for Word 2024, so you do not need to purchase Excel, PowerPoint, or a full Microsoft 365 subscription if you only use Word.

Can I fix the cursor issue without buying a new software license?

Yes, you can either use the free Microsoft Office web apps via your browser or switch to a free, highly compatible alternative office suite like WPS Office that supports the latest macOS.

Office App Problems