Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix Word Left Arrow Key Typing an Apostrophe

Ayan Masood Oct 13, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user experiences an issue where pressing the left arrow key in Microsoft Word outputs an apostrophe instead of moving the text cursor.

How to Fix Word Left Arrow Key Typing an Apostrophe

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Editing a document in Microsoft Word
Observed behavior: Pressing the left arrow key types an apostrophe character rather than moving the cursor to the left.

Before you start

Before changing any settings in Word, open a basic text editor like Notepad and press the left arrow key to verify if the issue is isolated to Microsoft Word or if it is a system-wide hardware problem.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset Word Keyboard Shortcuts to Default

Customized keyboard shortcuts can override default key functions. Resetting them will restore the left arrow key's normal cursor movement.

Microsoft Word allows extensive customization of keyboard shortcuts. Sometimes, these shortcuts are accidentally modified or changed by add-ins, causing standard navigation keys to output characters instead.

Open Word Options

Launch Microsoft Word, click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner, and select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.

Access Customize Ribbon

In the Word Options window, click on 'Customize Ribbon' in the left-hand navigation pane.

Open Keyboard Shortcuts

At the bottom of the right-hand panel, locate the 'Keyboard shortcuts' text and click the 'Customize...' button next to it.

Reset All Shortcuts

In the Customize Keyboard dialog box, click the 'Reset All' button at the bottom. Confirm your choice when prompted, close all dialog boxes, and test your left arrow key.

Reset Word Keyboard Shortcuts to Default

Test Successful Reset: If the reset was successful, your left arrow key will instantly resume moving the cursor left by one character.

Solution 2

Disable Sticky Keys and Verify Language Settings

Windows Accessibility features or incorrect proofing languages can sometimes alter keyboard inputs unexpectedly.

Solution 3

Repair the Microsoft Office Installation

If resetting settings does not resolve the issue, the Office installation files might be corrupted and require a repair.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Bug-Free Word Processing Experience

If Microsoft Word continues to experience keyboard mapping glitches, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative with a familiar user interface, ensuring a seamless migration for all your document needs without the hassle of unexplainable errors.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installation file and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions.
3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and seamlessly open your existing Word documents to continue working without keyboard issues.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including .doc and .docxFree and lightweight with minimal system requirementsFamiliar user interface for zero learning curveStable keyboard mapping for uninterrupted typing

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my keyboard type different characters in Word?

This usually happens due to accidental changes in keyboard language layouts, such as switching from QWERTY to another layout, or because custom keyboard shortcuts have been assigned within the Word application.

How do I reset my entire keyboard to default settings?

In Windows, you can reset your keyboard layout by navigating to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region. Remove any unwanted keyboard layouts and ensure your primary language is listed at the top.

Will repairing Microsoft Office delete my documents?

No, running an Office repair through the Control Panel only fixes the application files and core settings. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and presentations will remain completely safe and unaffected.

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