Office for Mac Issues

How to Fix MacBook Cannot Insert Spaces in Word or Teams

Guest Writer Oct 12, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users are unable to insert spaces using the Spacebar in Microsoft Word or Microsoft Teams on a MacBook.

How to Fix MacBook Cannot Insert Spaces in Word or Teams

Product: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Teams
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Typing documents in Word or sending messages in Teams.
Observed behavior: Pressing the Spacebar moves the cursor instead of inserting a space character.

Before you start

Verify that your MacBook's Spacebar functions correctly in other non-Microsoft applications, such as Safari or Apple Notes, to rule out a hardware keyboard failure.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset Microsoft Word Preferences (.plist file)

Corrupted preference files can cause keyboard input glitches. Renaming the preference file forces Word to create a fresh, working configuration.

This process resets your Word interface preferences but does not delete any of your saved documents or text.

Quit Microsoft Word

Ensure Microsoft Word is completely closed. Right-click the Word icon in your Dock and select 'Quit'.

Open the Library Folder

Click on your desktop to make Finder active. In the top menu bar, click on 'Go', hold down the 'Option' key on your keyboard, and click 'Library' when it appears.

Locate the Preference File

Open the 'Preferences' folder and search for a file named 'com.microsoft.Word.plist'.

Rename the File

Right-click the file, select 'Rename', and change its name to 'com.microsoft.Word.plist.old' (or move it to your Trash).

Test the Application

Reopen Microsoft Word, create a blank document, and press the Spacebar to confirm the issue is resolved.

Reset Microsoft Word Preferences (.plist file)

Tip: If the issue also affects Microsoft Teams, clearing the Teams application cache in the Library folder can resolve similar typing behavior.

Solution 2

Launch Word in Safe Mode to Isolate Add-ins

Starting Word in Safe Mode bypasses startup items and add-ins that might be intercepting your keyboard inputs.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Seamless Mac Typing Experience

If Microsoft Word continues to experience corrupted preferences or typing bugs on your Mac, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a free, highly compatible, and lightweight alternative that provides a smooth word processing experience without these recurring glitches.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free macOS version.
2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded file and follow the quick installation prompts.
3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and easily open your existing Microsoft Word documents to continue working without typing issues.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formats.Lightweight and fast, optimized perfectly for macOS.Familiar user interface with zero learning curve.Free from common Microsoft Office preference corruption issues.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Spacebar work in Safari but not in Word on my Mac?

This usually indicates a software-specific glitch rather than a hardware issue. It is frequently caused by corrupted Microsoft Word preference files (.plist) or conflicting third-party add-ins.

Will renaming the com.microsoft.Word.plist file delete my saved documents?

No. Renaming or deleting this preference file only resets your application's customized settings, such as view preferences or toolbar arrangements. Your saved documents and personal data remain completely unaffected.

Does this Spacebar issue also affect Microsoft Teams?

Yes, Mac users frequently report the same issue in Microsoft Teams where the Spacebar acts as an arrow key. Restarting Teams, clearing the Teams application cache, or reinstalling the app can typically resolve it.

Office App Problems