Office Settings & Configuration

How to Remove the New Box That Appears While Typing in Word

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to remove an unexpected visual box that surrounds the text as soon as they start typing in a Word document.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Typing text into a new or existing document.
Observed behavior: A persistent box surrounds the text while typing, which does not disappear even after turning off text boundaries or disabling Copilot.

Before you start

Ensure your Microsoft Word is updated to the latest version, as visual glitches are often patched in newer releases. Save your current document before modifying application settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable Active COM Add-ins

Third-party add-ins can sometimes create overlay boxes or cause unexpected UI glitches while typing.

Since disabling Copilot and text boundaries did not work, the issue is highly likely caused by a third-party add-in conflicting with Word's interface.

Open Word Options

Click on 'File' in the top left corner, then select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.

Navigate to Add-ins

In the Word Options window, select 'Add-ins' from the left sidebar.

Manage COM Add-ins

Look for the 'Manage' dropdown at the bottom of the window, select 'COM Add-ins', and click 'Go...'.

Disable Add-ins

Uncheck all active add-ins in the list and click 'OK'. Restart Microsoft Word to see if the typing box disappears.

Identifying the Culprit: If the box disappears, you can enable your add-ins one by one to identify which specific extension is causing the issue.

Solution 2

Verify Text Boundaries and Crop Marks Settings

Even if previously checked, ensuring that text boundaries and crop marks are completely disabled can resolve document formatting box issues.

Solution 3

Perform an Online Repair for Microsoft Office

If the box is caused by a corrupted display feature or a lingering Copilot glitch, repairing the Office installation can restore normal behavior.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Glitch-Free Typing Experience

If Microsoft Word continues to display unexpected boxes or visual bugs while typing, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a clean, user-friendly interface for all your document needs without the hassle of complex settings or stubborn UI glitches.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation file.
2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the quick setup instructions to install WPS Office on your device.
3. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx file to continue typing seamlessly without any boxes.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) filesClean and intuitive interface without unexpected UI pop-upsLightweight application that runs smoothly on most devicesCompletely free alternative to Microsoft 365

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does a box appear around my text when I type in Word?

This is usually caused by the 'Show text boundaries' setting being enabled. However, it can also be triggered by a third-party add-in, a formatting mark glitch, or a lingering Microsoft Copilot suggestion box.

How do I turn off text boundaries in Microsoft Word?

Go to File > Options > Advanced. Scroll down to the 'Show document content' section and uncheck the box next to 'Show text boundaries', then click OK.

Could Microsoft Copilot be causing the typing box?

Yes, the Copilot feature sometimes leaves a residual draft box on the screen. If turning off Copilot features doesn't fix it, restarting Word, disabling add-ins, or repairing your Office installation is recommended.

What should I do if changing settings doesn't remove the box?

Try launching Word in Safe Mode by holding down the CTRL key while opening the application. If the box disappears in Safe Mode, a COM add-in is likely the cause and needs to be disabled.

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