Microsoft Word Not Converting Equations? Here Are The Fixes.

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

• Close other Word files.

• Note whether equations were pasted from outside sources. Mixed formats often block conversion.

Step 1: Use one format consistently

• Open Word > Insert > Equation.

• In the Equation tab, find Conversions.

• Choose either Unicode or LaTeX and keep it consistent for all equations.

  • If typing with caret/subscript shortcuts (x^2, a_b), prefer Unicode.

  • If using LaTeX commands (\frac, \sum), choose LaTeX.

Step 2: Manually force Professional mode

• Click an equation to select it.

• Press Alt + = to open equation tools quickly.

• Go to Insert > Equation > Convert > All–Professional.

• Alternatively, click the small arrow on the equation box and select Professional.

• Check a few equations. If they convert, save and continue in the same format.

Step 3: Launch Word in Safe Mode

• Press Win + R, type “winword /safe,” and press Enter.

• Create a new document, insert a test equation, and try converting to Professional.

  • Works in Safe Mode? A problematic add‑in is likely. Disable add‑ins:

    • File > Options > Add‑ins > Manage: COM Add‑ins > Go.

    • Uncheck all, OK, restart Word normally, then re‑enable add‑ins one by one to find the culprit.

Step 4: Reset the equation template

• Close Word.

• Press Win + R, paste: %AppData%\Microsoft\Templates and press Enter.

• Rename Normal.dotm to Normal.old (Word will recreate it).

• Reopen Word and test equations again.

Step 5: Repair Office (fixes missing/corrupt components)

• Press Win + R, type: appwiz.cpl and press Enter.

• Right‑click Microsoft Office/Microsoft 365 > Change.

• Choose Online Repair (more thorough) and follow prompts.

• After repair, reboot and test.

Step 6: Check your workflow

• Avoid copy‑pasting equations from PDFs or images; use Insert > Equation and type them.

• Don’t mix LaTeX and Unicode within the same equation.

• 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

• Insert > Equation > Conversions: ensure All–Professional is selected.

• 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

• If none of the above works across multiple documents, set Windows and Office fully up to date, then repeat Step 5.

• For legacy equations that won’t convert, consider recreating them or using a dedicated tool (e.g., MathType) as a temporary workaround.

Quick checklist

• One format only (Unicode or LaTeX).

• Convert > All–Professional applied.

• Safe Mode test passed.

• Normal.dotm rebuilt.

• Office repaired.