How to Fix Em Dash Shortcut Not Working in Word

If the em dash (—) shortcut isn’t working in Word, you’re not alone. Many users expect Word to automatically convert double hyphens (--) into an em dash or respond to a keyboard shortcut—but instead, nothing happens or you just get regular hyphens. This can be frustrating, especially if you write frequently and rely on proper punctuation.

The issue is usually tied to AutoCorrect settings, keyboard shortcuts, language options, or document-specific formatting. The good news is that you can fix it in just a few minutes.

Fix Em Dash Shortcut Not Working in Word

The fixes below start with the most common causes and move toward more specific scenarios. We recommend trying them in order and testing the em dash after each fix.

1. Enable AutoCorrect for Em Dashes

By default, Word converts two hyphens into an em dash using AutoCorrect. If this option is disabled, the shortcut won’t work.

1. Open Microsoft Word.
2. Click File and select Options.
3. Go to Proofing.
4. Click AutoCorrect Options.
5. Under the AutoCorrect tab, make sure Replace text as you type is checked.
6. Switch to the AutoFormat As You Type tab.
7. Enable Hyphens (–) with dash (—).
8. Click OK to save changes.

Now type two hyphens followed by a space, and Word should automatically convert them into an em dash.

2. Use the Correct Em Dash Keyboard Shortcut

If AutoCorrect isn’t your preferred method, Word also supports a direct keyboard shortcut—but it must be used correctly.

1. Place the cursor where you want the em dash.
2. Press Alt + 0151 on the numeric keypad (Num Lock must be on).
3. Release the Alt key, and the em dash should appear.

Keep in mind that this shortcut does not work with the number row at the top of the keyboard—it requires the numeric keypad.

3. Check Font Compatibility

Some fonts don’t support em dashes properly, which can make it seem like the shortcut isn’t working.

1. Select the text where the em dash should appear.
2. Change the font to a common one like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman.
3. Try typing the em dash again using AutoCorrect or the keyboard shortcut.

If the em dash appears after changing fonts, the original font was the issue.

4. Verify Language and Proofing Settings

Incorrect language settings can interfere with AutoCorrect behavior in Word.

1. Select all text by pressing Ctrl + A.
2. Go to the Review tab.
3. Click Language > Set Proofing Language.
4. Make sure the correct language (such as English – United States) is selected.
5. Uncheck Do not check spelling or grammar if it’s enabled.
6. Click OK and test the em dash again.

This ensures AutoCorrect rules apply properly to your document.

5. Insert an Em Dash Manually

If shortcuts still don’t work, you can always insert an em dash directly from Word’s symbol menu.

1. Go to the Insert tab.
2. Click Symbol > More Symbols.
3. Find and select the em dash (—) character.
4. Click Insert, then Close.

This method is slower, but it works in every document and font.

6. Reset Word AutoCorrect Settings (Last Resort)

If the em dash shortcut suddenly stopped working across all documents, AutoCorrect settings may be corrupted.

1. Open Word Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options.
2. Temporarily disable Replace text as you type.
3. Click OK, then restart Word.
4. Go back and re-enable the AutoCorrect options for dashes.
5. Restart Word again and test the shortcut.

This refreshes AutoCorrect behavior without reinstalling Word.

Wrapping Up

When the em dash shortcut stops working in Word, the cause is almost always a disabled AutoCorrect option, an incorrect keyboard method, or document-level formatting issues. Once AutoCorrect is enabled and language settings are correct, the shortcut usually works exactly as expected.

If you write regularly, getting the em dash working again is worth the few minutes it takes—small details like this make writing smoother and far less frustrating. And if all else fails, Word still gives you multiple reliable ways to insert it manually.