How to Assign Keyboard Shortcuts for Browse Object in Word 2003
Question details
The user needs to reassign or fix the Ctrl+Alt+Home keyboard shortcut to activate the Browse Object feature.

- Product
- Microsoft Word 2003
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Navigating document elements using keyboard shortcuts, often in conjunction with screen reader software.
- Observed behavior
- Pressing Ctrl+Alt+Home fails to activate the Browse Object facility, and the screen reader provides no audible confirmation.
Ensure your screen reader software is running and updated, as the Browse Object command itself will not produce an audible announcement without it.
Manually Reassign the BrowseSel Command Shortcut
Use the Customize toolbars feature in Word 2003 to manually map the Browse Object function to your preferred key combination.
In some instances, keyboard shortcuts in older software versions may become unassigned or overridden by the Windows 10 operating system. Manually reassigning the shortcut ensures the application explicitly recognizes the input.
In the top menu bar of Word 2003, navigate to View, hover over Toolbars, and click on Customize.
In the Customize dialog box, click the Keyboard button located at the bottom to open the Customize Keyboard window.
Under the Categories list, select All Commands. Then, scroll through the Commands list on the right and select BrowseSel.
Click into the 'Press new shortcut key' text field. Press Ctrl+Alt+Home on your keyboard, then click the Assign button to save the configuration.

Upgrade to a Modern Office Suite with WPS Office
Microsoft Word 2003 is heavily outdated and lacks official support on modern systems like Windows 10. WPS Office offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with a familiar interface, ensuring seamless document editing without the hassle of configuring legacy shortcuts.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free suite on your Windows 10 computer.
- 2. Open your legacy documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your old .doc or newer .docx files directly without compatibility issues.
- 3. Navigate with ease: Use the modern navigation pane and built-in shortcuts to browse objects seamlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Browse Object control located in Word 2003?
The Browse Object control is represented by a small circle and is located at the very bottom of the vertical scroll bar on the right side of the document window.
Is the Object Browser feature available in newer versions of Word?
The Object Browser was still present in Word 2007 and Word 2010, but it was officially discontinued and removed from the software starting with Word 2013.
Why doesn't my screen reader announce the Browse Object command?
The Browse Object command natively does not generate an audible alert. You must ensure your screen-reader software is properly active and configured to report the focus change when the shortcut is pressed.




