Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix Font Colors and Borders Not Working in Microsoft 365

Rana Garcia Oct 15, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are unable to modify font colors in Excel, Word, or Outlook, and Excel borders that appear in the print preview fail to print on the final document.

How to Fix Font Colors and Borders Not Working in Microsoft 365

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: Windows / macOS
Scenario: Formatting text and printing spreadsheets in Microsoft Office applications.
Observed behavior: Font color selections do not apply or save, and document borders successfully render in the print preview interface but are completely missing from the physical printed page.

Before you start

Ensure your printer drivers are fully updated and check if the issue occurs across all Office files or is isolated to a single document.

Solution 1Recommended

Repair Your Microsoft 365 Installation

Running the built-in Office repair tool on Windows can fix corrupted application files that prevent formatting modifications and printing.

A quick repair fixes most common configuration problems without requiring an internet connection. If the issue persists, an online repair provides a more thorough fix by reinstalling corrupted components.

Open the Control Panel

Click the Windows Start menu, type 'Control Panel', and press Enter. Navigate to 'Programs' and select 'Programs and Features'.

Locate Microsoft 365

Scroll through the list of installed applications, right-click on your Microsoft 365 or Office installation, and select 'Change'.

Run the Repair Tool

Select 'Quick Repair' and click the 'Repair' button. Follow the on-screen prompts. Once completed, restart your computer and test your font colors and borders.

Online Repair: If Quick Repair fails, repeat the process but choose 'Online Repair'. Note that this process requires an active internet connection and will take slightly longer.

Solution 2

Perform a Windows Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs to identify if background software is interfering with Office.

Solution 3

Test with a New Windows User Profile

Creating a new Windows user profile helps determine whether the problem is caused by a corrupted local user registry or environment variable.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Formatting and Printing

If Microsoft 365 continues to experience system configuration issues preventing formatting and accurate printing, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible and stable environment for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the software in minutes.
3. Open Your Files: Double-click your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files to open them in WPS Office and continue working instantly.

Fully compatible with all Microsoft Office formats, including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Reliable printing engine ensures borders and formatting print exactly as they appear on screen.Lightweight application that avoids heavy registry reliance and system conflicts.Familiar ribbon interface requiring zero learning curve for Office users.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Excel borders show in print preview but not on paper?

This discrepancy typically occurs due to outdated or incompatible printer drivers failing to translate the Office render instructions. It can also be caused by incorrect scaling settings within the Excel page layout options or a corrupted Office installation.

Can third-party add-ins cause font colors to lock in Microsoft 365?

Yes, conflicting COM add-ins or macros can restrict formatting features in Word, Excel, or Outlook. You can launch the application in Safe Mode by holding the Ctrl key while clicking the app icon to verify if an add-in is the root cause.

How do I know if my Office formatting issue is caused by Windows?

By creating a new local Windows user account and running Microsoft 365 within that profile. If the font color and border issues disappear, the problem is localized to your primary profile's registry settings or user environment.

Does macOS have a built-in repair tool for Microsoft Office?

Unlike Windows, macOS does not feature a native 'Repair' button for Office apps in the settings menu. To resolve similar issues on a Mac, users generally need to clear the local Office cache, run Microsoft AutoUpdate, or perform a clean reinstallation of the suite.

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