How to Fix the White Box Error for Online Videos in Microsoft Word
Question details
Users experience a blank white box when selecting an embedded online video in a Microsoft Word document.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Viewing or interacting with embedded online videos within a Microsoft Word document.
- Observed behavior
- The embedded video displays as a completely blank white box when clicked or selected, even though the same video link opens and plays correctly when accessed directly via a web browser.
Ensure your device is connected to a stable internet connection, as you will need to download and install Office updates. Save your current documents before initiating any software updates.
Update Microsoft 365 to the Latest Build
This issue is a known bug in earlier versions of Microsoft Word. Microsoft released a permanent fix starting with Version 2203 (Build 15028.20204).
Because this rendering issue is tied to the core application code in Microsoft Word, manual workarounds or document setting adjustments will not resolve it. The only permanent solution is to force an update to your Office installation to fetch the patched build from Microsoft.
Launch Microsoft Word and open any blank or existing document.
Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the ribbon menu, then select 'Account' (or 'Office Account') from the bottom of the left-hand sidebar.
Look for the 'Office Updates' section. Click the 'Update Options' button and select 'Update Now' from the drop-down menu.
Wait for Microsoft 365 to download and install the available updates in the background. Once the process is complete, restart Microsoft Word and check your embedded video.
Avoid Word Bugs by Switching to WPS Office
If you are tired of waiting for patches to fix frustrating bugs like the white box error in Microsoft Word, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free alternative that lets you work seamlessly with all your existing Word documents without the heavy system requirements.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install the software: Run the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to install WPS Office on your computer.
- 3. Open your documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx files to continue working immediately with full formatting preserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the video play perfectly in my browser but show a white box in Word?
This discrepancy happens because of a specific rendering bug in Microsoft Word's engine for embedded media. The video URL itself is perfectly valid, but the older version of Word struggles to display the preview image or player interface.
Which exact version of Microsoft 365 includes the fix for the white box error?
Microsoft resolved this bug starting with Microsoft 365 Version 2203, Build 15028.20204, available on the Current Channel. Subsequent versions and other update channels received this fix shortly after.
What if 'Update Now' says my Office is already up to date, but I still see the error?
Your organization's IT department might be managing your Office updates on a deferred channel (like Semi-Annual). This restricts your computer from fetching the newest fixes immediately. You can contact your IT admin to request the newer build or wait until the channel receives the update.
Is there a way to share the video in Word if I cannot update the software right now?
Yes. If you cannot update Word immediately, the best workaround is to insert the video as a standard clickable text hyperlink instead of embedding the video player directly into the document canvas.
