Word is Automatically Deleting Text? Stop it in 6 Steps

Disable the Overtype mode to regain control of your document

5 min. read

Updated onAugust 29, 2024

updated onAugust 29, 2024

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Imagine typing out a document but getting nowhere becauseMicrosoft Wordkeeps deleting the text. You’ll be typing along and suddenly see that one or more letters or words have disappeared from your document. Sometimes even whole paragraphs will vanish.

The most likely reason is that some formatting applied to your document knowingly or unknowingly makes the text behave in unusual ways. So how do you get to type without having text disappear? Here’s how.

Why does Word keep deleting my text?

Have you encountered an issue where Word is automatically deleting your text? What could be the reason? We explore some possible causes below:

How to stop text from erasing when typing?

Check the following first before you make any permanent changes:

1. Disable Overtype mode

2. Clear all text formatting

This will reset the document to default settings and get rid of any formatting previously applied that may have been interfering with your text.

3. Run Microsoft Word in Safe Mode

If you’re having issues with an app, try opening it while in Safe Mode and see if it works. If it does work, then one of the apps or services running in the background while using it may have been causing the issue.

4. Scan for viruses

Besides Windows Defender, we recommend our users checkthis antivirus program listfor the highest detection scores and the best protection for their devices.

5. Repair MS Office

6. Reinstall Microsoft Office

So that’s it for this post. Hopefully, you’re feeling a little less stressed about the situation now. Moving forward, make it a habit to save every few minutes such that even if your document experiences such bugs, you can restore your saved work.

If you’re out of luck with the above methods, try usingWord Onlineor otherMicrosoft Office alternatives. While you’re still here, check out what to do when yourWord document won’t save.

To learn more, we have a great guide on what to do ifPowerPoint couldn’t write to Microsoft Word, so don’t miss it.

For any additional thoughts or suggestions, feel free to comment below.

Word is Automatically Deleting Text? Stop it in 6 Steps#

Why does Word keep deleting my text?#

How to stop text from erasing when typing?#

1. Disable Overtype mode#

2. Clear all text formatting#

3. Run Microsoft Word in Safe Mode#

4. Scan for viruses#

5. Repair MS Office#

6. Reinstall Microsoft Office#