Fix it with the steps below — then let GenText handle the writing: AI drafting, rephrasing, and real peer-reviewed citations right inside Word. Free, installs in 30 seconds.
Install Free →Tired of Word's quirks? Try GenText in your browser →
Fix: Content Controls Not Working in Word Forms
Quick Answer
Enable the Developer tab (File > Options > Customize Ribbon > check Developer). Select the content control, click Properties in the Developer tab to configure it. Make sure Document Protection is set to 'Filling in forms' under Review > Restrict Editing.
Content Controls Not Working in Word Forms
How to fix content controls (dropdowns, checkboxes, date pickers) in Word forms.
Quick Solution
Enable the Developer tab (File > Options > Customize Ribbon > check Developer). Select the content control, click Properties in the Developer tab to configure it. Make sure Document Protection is set to ‘Filling in forms’ under Review > Restrict Editing.
Detailed Steps
- Identify the problem — Note exactly when the issue occurs and any error messages
- Try the quick fix — Apply the solution described above
- Start Word in Safe Mode — If the issue persists, press Windows + R, type
winword /safe, and test - Check for updates — Go to File > Account > Update Options > Update Now
- Repair Office — If nothing else works, go to Settings > Apps > Microsoft Office > Modify > Online Repair
When to Contact Support
If the issue persists after trying all steps, contact Microsoft Support or visit answers.microsoft.com. Include your Word version (File > Account > About Word) and a description of the steps you’ve already tried.
Prevent This Issue
- Keep Microsoft Office updated with the latest patches
- Regularly back up important documents
- Avoid installing untrusted add-ins
- Use .docx format for all documents (not .doc)
Fix it with the steps below — then let GenText handle the writing: AI drafting, rephrasing, and real peer-reviewed citations right inside Word. Free, installs in 30 seconds.
Install Free →Save Hours Every Week
Automate repetitive tasks inside Word — drafting, citations, and formatting done in seconds.
Try FreeFree citation reference by email
APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard and IEEE examples in one reference.
The resource is in English, in the email body. You can save or print the email.
Your resource request does not sign you up for tips. Existing email preferences stay unchanged unless you ask to change them. Privacy.
Request received
Please check your inbox for the resource email. If it does not arrive, check your spam folder or contact support@gentext.ai.