Fix Word for Mac Spike Shortcuts Not Working After macOS Upgrade
Question details
Users are unable to use the Spike feature in Word for Mac because the default shortcut conflicts with new macOS system commands.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS Monterey
- Scenario
- Attempting to cut and paste multiple items using the Spike feature after updating the Mac operating system.
- Observed behavior
- The Command-F3 shortcut fails to activate the Spike feature and instead triggers a macOS system command due to a shortcut conflict.
Ensure your macOS is fully updated and check if the Command-F3 shortcut is currently assigned to a system action like Mission Control in your Mac System Settings.
Reassign Spike Shortcuts in Word
Remapping the Spike command to a different key combination bypasses the macOS system conflict.
Since macOS Monterey commandeered the Command-F3 shortcut for system features, the most effective fix is to assign a new, unique keyboard shortcut to the Spike command directly within Microsoft Word.
Launch Microsoft Word. From the top menu bar, click on Tools and select Customize Keyboard.
In the Categories list, choose 'All Commands'. In the Search box next to the Commands list, type 'Spike' to find the cut and paste Spike commands.
Select the specific Spike command you want to change. Click inside the 'Press new keyboard shortcut' field, press your desired new key combination, and click 'Assign'.
Click OK to save your changes. Open a new Word document and test your new shortcut to ensure the Spike feature captures and pastes text correctly.
Update Microsoft Office
Installing the latest Office updates ensures you have recent bug fixes and compatibility patches for newer macOS versions.
Reinstall Word for Mac
If updating and remapping shortcuts do not work, reinstalling Word can resolve deeper file corruption issues.
Experience Conflict-Free Document Editing with WPS Office
If shortcut conflicts and system updates in Microsoft Word for Mac are disrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, lightweight, and completely free alternative with intuitive tools and seamless macOS integration.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the macOS installer.
- 2. Install and Launch: Open the downloaded file, drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder, and launch the app.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Open your existing .docx files directly with full formatting preserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spike feature in Microsoft Word?
The Spike is an advanced clipboard feature in Word that allows you to cut multiple pieces of text or graphics from different locations in a document and paste them all at once into a new location.
Why did my Command-F3 shortcut stop working after upgrading macOS?
macOS Monterey and later versions introduced new system-wide keyboard shortcuts. The default Command-F3 shortcut used for the Spike in Word conflicts with these new macOS system commands, preventing the Word feature from triggering.
How do I reset all keyboard shortcuts to default in Word for Mac?
Go to Tools > Customize Keyboard from the top menu bar, and click the 'Reset All' button at the bottom of the dialog box. Keep in mind that doing this will restore the Command-F3 shortcut, which may still conflict with macOS Monterey.
