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Office for Mac Issues

How to Fix Word and PowerPoint Applying Wrong Bold Font on Mac

Olivia MillerOlivia Miller Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users experience an incorrect font style being applied when using the bold formatting shortcut in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint on macOS.

How to Fix Word and PowerPoint Applying the Wrong Bold Font on Mac
Product
Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint
Device & OS
macOS
Scenario
Applying bold text formatting using the Command+B keyboard shortcut during document or presentation editing.
Observed behavior
Pressing Command+B applies an unexpected or incorrect font style in Word and PowerPoint, whereas the shortcut functions normally in Excel.
Before you start

Ensure you have noted down your current macOS version and Microsoft Office build number, as this information is essential for troubleshooting and reporting application-specific font bugs.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Versions and Submit Diagnostic Feedback

Because this is a known application or version-specific bug affecting Word and PowerPoint, submitting detailed diagnostic feedback is the most effective way to help Microsoft deploy a permanent fix.

When a formatting issue affects multiple users across specific applications like Word and PowerPoint but not Excel, it is typically tied to a recent software update or a system-level font rendering bug.

1
Check system and application versions

Click on the Apple menu and select 'About This Mac' to note your macOS version. Next, open Word or PowerPoint, click the application name in the top menu bar (e.g., 'Word' > 'About Microsoft Word'), and locate your exact build number.

2
Submit in-app feedback

While inside Word or PowerPoint, navigate to the 'Help' menu in the top bar and select 'Feedback'. Choose 'I don't like something' and clearly describe the Command+B bold font issue.

3
Contact your Microsoft 365 Administrator

If you are using a business or school account, notify your IT department or Microsoft 365 administrator. They can open a dedicated support ticket with Microsoft Support to provide necessary system logs for investigation.

Verify Versions and Submit Diagnostic Feedback
Waiting for Updates: Microsoft support teams regularly review submitted feedback to patch widespread application bugs. Keep your Office suite updated to ensure you receive the fix once it is released.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Edit Documents on Mac Without Bold Font Issues

Tired of formatting bugs interrupting your workflow on Mac? WPS Office offers a seamless, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, ensuring your keyboard shortcuts and font styles work perfectly every time.

  1. 1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office for Mac from the official website and launch the application.
  2. 2. Open your document: Open your existing Word document or PowerPoint presentation directly within WPS Office.
  3. 3. Apply formatting reliably: Select your text and press Command+B to instantly apply the correct bold formatting without encountering font style errors.
Flawless compatibility with Microsoft Word (.docx) and PowerPoint (.pptx) formats.Accurate font rendering and reliable keyboard shortcuts like Command+B on Mac.Lightweight application that uses minimal system resources.All-in-one suite combining Writer, Presentation, Spreadsheet, and PDF tools in one window.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the bold shortcut work correctly in Excel but not in Word or PowerPoint?

Word, PowerPoint, and Excel sometimes use different text rendering engines or receive staggered feature updates. A bug introduced in a recent update for Word and PowerPoint's text handling might not be present in Excel's current build.

Can I use a different method to bold text on Mac while waiting for a fix?

Yes. While Command+B is the standard shortcut, you can try applying bold formatting manually by highlighting the text and clicking the 'B' icon located in the Home tab of the ribbon menu. This may successfully bypass the shortcut-specific bug.

Will reinstalling Microsoft Office fix the incorrect bold font issue?

If the issue is caused by a version-specific bug affecting all users, reinstalling the exact same version will likely not resolve it. You will either need to wait for a patch from Microsoft or completely roll back your Office installation to a previous, stable version.