help button doesn't work in word

Bk Matulik 0 Reputation points
2026-04-30T17:26:36.4733333+00:00

When I try to use the Word help button, ?, the message says that I am not authorized by the administrator . I am the administrator. How do I authorize help on questions in word?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows

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Answer recommended by moderator
Kal-D 7,375 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
2026-04-30T21:56:08.6333333+00:00

Hi Bk Matulik,

This message usually shows up when Word’s “connected experiences” are turned off in Office privacy settings, so Help cannot load online content.

Please try this:

  • Word > File > Options > General > Privacy Settings
  • Turn on Optional connected experiences and Experiences that download online content
  • Select OK, close Word fully, then reopen Word and try the ? Help button again

If you do not see “Privacy Settings” there, some builds show it here instead:

  • File > Account > under Account Privacy select Manage Settings
  • Turn on all connected experiences
  • Restart Word (or all Office apps)

If the connected experiences options are greyed out, you may not be able to change them from within Word.

If you share whether those toggles are available or greyed out, I can point you to the most relevant next step.

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  1. AI answer

    2026-04-30T17:27:10.99+00:00

    The message indicates that access to online Help is being blocked by an administrative or policy setting, even if the current Windows account is an administrator.

    To re‑enable Help and related features in Word/Office:

    1. Open Word (or another Office app such as Excel).
    2. Go to File > Account > Account Privacy > Manage Settings.
    3. Ensure that Connected experiences are turned on. These services are required for online Help, Contact Support, and Training to work.
    4. Close and restart Word, then try the ? Help button again.

    If the device is or was managed by an organization (domain-joined, work/school account, or previously controlled by an IT department), a Group Policy or management profile may still be enforcing the block. In that case, the policy must be changed or removed by whoever manages those policies.

    If Help still does not work after enabling Connected experiences and confirming there is no active management policy, running an Online Repair of Office can also be used to restore default settings and services:

    1. Exit all Office applications.
    2. Use the Repair an Office application steps described in the referenced article to run an Online Repair.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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