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How to Fix Ctrl+Shift+L Bullets Shortcut Not Working in Word 2019
Question details
The user is unable to use the Ctrl+Shift+L keyboard shortcut to quickly apply bulleted lists to text in Microsoft Word 2019.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 2019
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to format text as a bulleted list using the standard Ctrl+Shift+L keyboard shortcut.
- Observed behavior
- The shortcut fails to trigger the bulleted list formatting, which can be caused by system-wide hotkey conflicts from other software or internal Word misconfigurations.
Ensure that your keyboard is functioning correctly and check if the Ctrl+Shift+L shortcut works in other applications to verify whether the issue is isolated to Microsoft Word.
Disable Conflicting Hotkeys in AMD Software Adrenalin Edition
Third-party applications like AMD Software often reserve Ctrl+Shift+L for their own global features, which overrides Word's ability to use the shortcut.
The AMD Software Adrenalin Edition application reserves the Ctrl+Shift+L shortcut by default for its 'Toggle Performance Logging' feature. This global system hook prevents applications like Word, Outlook, and OneNote from recognizing the keystroke.
Launch the AMD Software Adrenalin Edition application from your system tray or Windows Start menu.
Click on the gear icon to open Settings, then navigate to the 'Hotkeys' tab.
Locate the 'Toggle Performance Logging' option. Click on the assigned hotkey (Ctrl+Shift+L) and press Delete to remove it, or reassign it to a different key combination.
Reassign the Shortcut in Word Customize Keyboard Settings
Check Word's internal keyboard settings to ensure that the Ctrl+Shift+L shortcut is correctly mapped to the bulleted list command.
Update the List Bullet Style Configuration
If the shortcut is correctly assigned but still fails to format the text properly, the underlying List Bullet style might need to be repaired.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless Document Editing Experience
If third-party conflicts and complex settings make Microsoft Word frustrating to use, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, user-friendly alternative with built-in shortcuts that work flawlessly out of the box.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office Free from the official website and complete the quick installation process.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word documents with full format retention.
- 3. Use Shortcuts Instantly: Highlight your text and use familiar shortcuts to apply bullets and formatting instantly without configuration hassles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Word keyboard shortcuts suddenly stop working?
Keyboard shortcuts in Word typically stop working when another background application updates and claims a global hotkey, or if Word's internal normal.dotm template becomes corrupted.
Can I reset all keyboard shortcuts in Word to their defaults?
Yes, you can reset all keyboard shortcuts. Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon, click 'Customize' next to Keyboard shortcuts, and then click the 'Reset All...' button at the bottom of the dialog.
Does the Ctrl+Shift+L shortcut work in other Microsoft Office apps?
Yes, Ctrl+Shift+L is a standard Microsoft Office shortcut designed to quickly apply a bulleted list in Outlook and OneNote as well. If a third-party app like AMD Software blocks it, the shortcut will fail across all these programs.
