Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix Ctrl+B Not Bolding Text in Word or OneNote

Kushani Nimanthika Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is experiencing an issue where the Ctrl+B keyboard shortcut fails to bold text in Microsoft Word and OneNote, despite other shortcuts functioning correctly.

How to Fix Ctrl+B Not Bolding Text in Word or OneNote

Product: Microsoft Word, Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Formatting text quickly using keyboard shortcuts while writing or editing documents.
Observed behavior: Pressing Ctrl+B does not apply bold formatting to the selected text, likely due to interference from a background application, a COM add-in, or a keyboard driver issue.

Before you start

Close any background applications, especially those with global hotkeys like screen recorders or clipping tools, to ensure they aren't intercepting the Ctrl+B command.

Solution 1Recommended

Use an Alternative Shortcut or Reassign Ctrl+B

If another app is temporarily blocking the shortcut, you can use a built-in alternative or manually reassign the bold command in Word's settings.

Microsoft Word allows users to fully customize their keyboard shortcuts. If the default bold command has been overwritten, reassigning it will restore its functionality.

Try the alternative shortcut

Highlight your text and press Ctrl+Shift+B. This is the default secondary shortcut for applying bold formatting in Microsoft Word.

Access Word Options

If the alternative fails, open Word, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.

Open Keyboard Customization

Select 'Customize Ribbon' from the left sidebar, then click the 'Customize' button next to 'Keyboard shortcuts' at the bottom of the window.

Locate the Bold command

Under the 'Categories' list, select 'Home Tab'. Under the 'Commands' list, scroll down and select 'Bold'.

Assign the new shortcut

Click inside the 'Press new shortcut key' box, press Ctrl+B on your keyboard, and click 'Assign'. Click 'Close' and then 'OK' to save your changes.

Use an Alternative Shortcut or Reassign Ctrl+B

Check Current Assignments: When you press Ctrl+B in the shortcut key box, look at the 'Currently assigned to' text. This will tell you if a specific Word macro or add-in was previously hijacking the shortcut.

Solution 2

Disable COM Add-ins to Check for Interference

Third-party add-ins can sometimes override default keyboard shortcuts. Disabling them helps identify the culprit.

Solution 3

Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

An outdated or corrupted keyboard driver may cause specific key combinations to fail across multiple applications.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Flawless Writing Experience

If Microsoft Word shortcuts keep failing due to complex add-in conflicts or application errors, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with familiar keyboard shortcuts that just work.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installation package.
2. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word document.
3. Format seamlessly: Highlight your text and press Ctrl+B to apply bold formatting instantly without add-in interference.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formats.Lightweight software architecture that minimizes background conflicts.Familiar user interface and standard shortcut keys, including Ctrl+B.Free to download and use for your essential office needs.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Ctrl+B shortcut suddenly stop working?

This usually happens when a newly installed background application (like a screen recorder) intercepts the Ctrl+B command globally, or if a specific Word add-in overwrites the default formatting shortcut.

Can a web browser extension disable desktop keyboard shortcuts?

Generally, no. Browser extensions only affect shortcuts while you are actively working within the browser. However, standalone desktop applications running in the background can capture global shortcut combinations.

How do I reset all keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Word to default?

Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon, click the 'Customize' button next to 'Keyboard shortcuts', and then click the 'Reset All' button at the bottom of the dialog box to restore all factory default shortcuts.

Does the Ctrl+Shift+B shortcut work in all Office programs?

Ctrl+Shift+B is a widely supported alternative for applying bold formatting in Microsoft Word, but its functionality might vary in other applications like Excel or PowerPoint, where you may need to rely exclusively on Ctrl+B.

Office App Problems