Office Compatibility Issues

Fix Word VBA Macro Runtime Error 4605 After Windows 11 Upgrade

Adam Davis Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users experience a runtime error when executing VBA macros in Microsoft Word after upgrading the operating system.

Fix Word VBA Macro Runtime Error 4605 After Windows 11 Upgrade

Product: Microsoft Word 2013
Device & OS: Windows 11
Scenario: Running existing VBA macros containing the Selection.Paste method after upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
Observed behavior: The VBA macro execution halts and displays runtime error 4605, failing to paste the selection.

Before you start

Ensure that your Microsoft Office 2013 installation has the latest available updates installed and verify that your Windows 11 system clipboard is functioning correctly outside of Word.

Solution 1Recommended

Perform a Clean Installation of Windows 11

Resolves deep-seated OS upgrade conflicts that prevent legacy VBA macros from executing correctly.

Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 can sometimes leave behind corrupted registry entries or incompatible system files affecting older software like Office 2013. A clean reinstallation or reformatting often resolves these runtime error 4605 compatibility issues by providing a fresh environment for the clipboard and Office applications to interact.

Back up your data

Securely back up all your important files, VBA macro scripts, and Word documents to an external hard drive or secure cloud storage service.

Access Recovery Settings

Click the Start menu, go to Windows Settings, select 'System', and then click on 'Recovery'.

Reset the PC

Click the 'Reset PC' button and choose the option to 'Remove everything' to ensure a completely clean installation of Windows 11.

Reinstall Office and test

Once Windows 11 is fully reinstalled and updated, reinstall Microsoft Office 2013, load your Word documents, and test the VBA macro to confirm the Selection.Paste function works.

Perform a Clean Installation of Windows 11

Data Loss Warning: Reformatting your computer will erase all personal data, settings, and installed applications on the primary drive. Always ensure you have a complete and verified backup before proceeding.

Solution 2

Seek Code Assistance in Microsoft Q&A Forums

If reformatting is not an option, consulting VBA experts can help identify code-specific incompatibilities.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Compatibility on Windows 11

If legacy software like Microsoft Office 2013 continues to experience compatibility issues and runtime errors on Windows 11, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, highly compatible alternative that smoothly handles modern operating system environments without the deep legacy system conflicts.

1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for Windows 11.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the software on your computer.
3. Open your documents: Launch WPS Writer and easily open or drag your existing Word documents into the workspace to continue working immediately.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx), Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Lightweight architecture that runs smoothly on Windows 11 without legacy macro conflicts.Familiar and intuitive user interface requiring zero learning curve.Free to use with built-in PDF editing and cloud support for seamless migration.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does runtime error 4605 occur with Selection.Paste in Word VBA?

Runtime error 4605 typically happens when a VBA macro attempts to paste clipboard content, but the clipboard is empty, unavailable, or temporarily locked by another process. Major system upgrades, like moving to Windows 11, can disrupt clipboard timing between the operating system and older Office applications.

Will Office 2013 macros always break on Windows 11?

Not necessarily. However, because Office 2013 is an older suite and Windows 11 introduces new security and memory management features, macros that rely heavily on direct operating system interactions—such as clipboard management—may face intermittent compatibility and timing issues.

Can I fix VBA error 4605 without completely reformatting my PC?

You can try adding a slight delay in your VBA code (using Application.Wait) right before the Selection.Paste command to give the clipboard time to populate. Additionally, you can run an Office Repair from the Windows Control Panel. If these softer troubleshooting steps fail, consulting a VBA developer forum is recommended before resorting to a system reset.

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