Why Danish Word Keyboard Shortcuts Changed from Ctrl+F to Ctrl+B
Question details
The user lost the expected localized keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Word, specifically where Ctrl+F no longer applies bold formatting in Danish, and the English default Ctrl+B has taken over.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Applying text formatting using localized keyboard shortcuts in a non-English version of Microsoft Word.
- Observed behavior
- Ctrl+F fails to apply bold formatting in Danish (and Swedish) versions of Word, while Ctrl+B now applies bold. Standard troubleshooting methods like Safe Mode, repairing Office, and resetting shortcuts do not fix the problem.
Verify your current Microsoft Office version and update history, as sudden shortcut changes are often tied to recent software updates or background design changes implemented by Microsoft.
Report the Shortcut Bug to Microsoft Support
Since this is a recognized design change or bug introduced in a recent update, reporting it directly helps Microsoft prioritize a fix for localized versions.
Microsoft Support has indicated this behavior might be by design following an October 2024 update. Because standard fixes like Safe Mode and Office Repair do not resolve the localized shortcut mapping, submitting direct feedback is the most effective way to push for a permanent resolution.
Launch Microsoft Word and click on the 'Help' tab located in the top ribbon menu.
Select the 'Feedback' option, then choose 'Report a Problem'.
Provide a clear description of the issue. Be sure to include your Word language (Danish or Swedish), Windows version, Microsoft 365 build, the affected shortcuts (Ctrl+F vs Ctrl+B), and the date the behavior began.
Click submit to send the bug report to the Microsoft development team and wait for future Office updates.
Manually Reassign the Bold Shortcut in Word
If you prefer to continue using the legacy Ctrl+F shortcut for Bold (Fed) in Danish immediately, you can manually customize the keyboard shortcuts in your Word options.
Try WPS Office for a Stable and Consistent Experience
If unexpected updates and changing keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Word disrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, lightweight alternative with a familiar interface that respects your formatting habits.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and seamlessly open your existing Microsoft Word (.docx) documents without losing any formatting.
- 3. Format with Ease: Enjoy stable and reliable keyboard shortcuts while editing and formatting your text.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Ctrl+F shortcut stop working for bold in Danish Word?
Microsoft recently introduced a background update (around October 2024) that appears to have replaced the localized Ctrl+F (Fed) shortcut with the English default Ctrl+B for bolding text.
Can I fix the shortcut by resetting my keyboard settings?
No. Users have reported that resetting keyboard shortcuts, repairing the Office installation, and starting Word in Safe Mode do not resolve this specific localization issue.
Does this shortcut issue affect other languages besides Danish?
Yes, this identical behavior has also been reproduced and reported by users operating the Swedish version of Microsoft Word.




