If equations in Microsoft Word aren’t switching to the professional math layout, it’s usually a formatting mismatch or a temporary glitch. Follow these quick, safe steps in order, and stop when the issue is resolved.
Before starting
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Close other Word files.
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Note whether equations were pasted from outside sources. Mixed formats often block conversion.
Step 1: Use one format consistently
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Open Word > Insert > Equation.
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In the Equation tab, find Conversions.
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Choose either Unicode or LaTeX and keep it consistent for all equations.
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If typing with caret/subscript shortcuts (x^2, a_b), prefer Unicode.
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If using LaTeX commands (\frac, \sum), choose LaTeX.
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Step 2: Manually force Professional mode
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Click an equation to select it.
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Press Alt + = to open equation tools quickly.
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Go to Insert > Equation > Convert > All–Professional.
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Alternatively, click the small arrow on the equation box and select Professional.
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Check a few equations. If they convert, save and continue in the same format.
Step 3: Launch Word in Safe Mode
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Press Win + R, type “winword /safe,” and press Enter.
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Create a new document, insert a test equation, and try converting to Professional.
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Works in Safe Mode? A problematic add‑in is likely. Disable add‑ins:
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File > Options > Add‑ins > Manage: COM Add‑ins > Go.
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Uncheck all, OK, restart Word normally, then re‑enable add‑ins one by one to find the culprit.
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Step 4: Reset the equation template
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Close Word.
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Press Win + R, paste: %AppData%\Microsoft\Templates and press Enter.
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Rename Normal.dotm to Normal.old (Word will recreate it).
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Reopen Word and test equations again.
Step 5: Repair Office (fixes missing/corrupt components)
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Press Win + R, type: appwiz.cpl and press Enter.
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Right‑click Microsoft Office/Microsoft 365 > Change.
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Choose Online Repair (more thorough) and follow prompts.
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After repair, reboot and test.
Step 6: Check your workflow
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Avoid copy‑pasting equations from PDFs or images; use Insert > Equation and type them.
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Don’t mix LaTeX and Unicode within the same equation.
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If space‑bar auto‑conversion doesn’t trigger in LaTeX mode, use the Convert menu or switch to Unicode for inline typing.
Step 7: Optional settings to confirm
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Insert > Equation > Conversions: ensure All–Professional is selected.
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File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options > Math AutoCorrect: enable “Use Math AutoCorrect rules outside of math regions” only if needed and stay consistent.
If nothing happens
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If none of the above works across multiple documents, set Windows and Office fully up to date, then repeat Step 5.
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For legacy equations that won’t convert, consider recreating them or using a dedicated tool (e.g., MathType) as a temporary workaround.
Quick checklist
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One format only (Unicode or LaTeX).
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Convert > All–Professional applied.
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Safe Mode test passed.
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Normal.dotm rebuilt.
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Office repaired.