Microsoft Office

How To Close Dialog Box In Microsoft Word

When it comes to working with Microsoft Word, one of the common tasks is dealing with dialog boxes. These windows pop up to provide additional options or information when you're working on a document. But what happens when you're done with the dialog box and want to close it? Closing a dialog box in Microsoft Word is a simple process, but it's important to know the right steps to ensure smooth navigation and optimal efficiency within the program.

To close a dialog box in Microsoft Word, you can simply press the "OK" or "Close" button located at the bottom right corner of the window. Alternatively, you can also use the "Cancel" button if you want to discard any changes made within the dialog box. This method ensures that the dialog box is closed and you can continue with your work in Word without any interruption. It's worth noting that dialog boxes in Microsoft Word often contain important options and settings that can enhance your document creation experience, so knowing how to properly close them is essential for a smooth workflow.



How To Close Dialog Box In Microsoft Word

Different Ways to Close a Dialog Box in Microsoft Word

When working in Microsoft Word, dialog boxes often appear to prompt users for information or to perform specific actions. While dialog boxes are essential for customization and configuration purposes, it is equally important to know how to close them to resume your document editing smoothly. In this article, we will explore different methods you can use to close dialog boxes in Microsoft Word, ensuring an efficient workflow without any interruptions.

Method 1: Using the Close Button

The simplest and most common way to close a dialog box in Microsoft Word is by using the close button. The close button is typically represented by a small "X" icon located in the upper-right corner of the dialog box window. To close the dialog box using the close button, follow these steps:

  • Locate the close button in the upper-right corner of the dialog box window.
  • Click on the close button using your mouse cursor.
  • The dialog box will close, and you can resume your work in Microsoft Word.

Things to Remember

Here are a few things to keep in mind while using the close button to close a dialog box:

  • Ensure you have saved all your changes or entered any required information before closing the dialog box.
  • If there is a cancel or abort option available within the dialog box, you can choose that instead of closing the dialog box using the close button.
  • Closing the dialog box using the close button does not save any changes or selections made within the dialog box, so be cautious when closing it.

Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Another efficient way to close a dialog box in Microsoft Word is by utilizing keyboard shortcuts. Keyboard shortcuts can enhance your productivity by allowing you to perform actions quickly without using the mouse. To close a dialog box using keyboard shortcuts, follow these steps:

  • Ensure the dialog box window is active and in focus.
  • Press the "Esc" key on your keyboard.
  • The dialog box will close, and you can continue working in Microsoft Word.

Things to Remember

Remember the following tips when using keyboard shortcuts to close a dialog box:

  • Make sure the dialog box is the active window before pressing the "Esc" key.
  • In some cases, pressing "Esc" may not close the entire dialog box but only cancel the current action. Use this shortcut cautiously.
  • If the dialog box has multiple tabs or sections, pressing "Esc" may close the current tab or section and take you back to the main dialog box window.

Method 3: Using Taskbar Preview Thumbnails

If you have multiple dialog boxes open in Microsoft Word, it can be challenging to identify and close a specific one using the close button or keyboard shortcuts. However, you can take advantage of the taskbar preview thumbnails feature in Windows to identify and close a dialog box quickly. Here's how:

  • Look at the taskbar at the bottom of your Windows desktop, where the Microsoft Word icon is displayed.
  • If there are multiple dialog boxes open, hover your mouse cursor over the Word icon.
  • Windows will display preview thumbnails of all the open Word windows, including dialog boxes.
  • Identify the specific dialog box you want to close by looking at the preview thumbnails.
  • Right-click on the preview thumbnail of the dialog box you wish to close.
  • A context menu will appear. Select the "Close" option to close the dialog box.

Things to Remember

Here are a few reminders when using taskbar preview thumbnails to close a dialog box:

  • Ensure you have identified the correct dialog box before closing it to avoid losing any unsaved data or selections.
  • The taskbar preview thumbnails feature may vary depending on the version of Windows and the settings on your computer.
  • If you're unable to locate the preview thumbnail for the dialog box you want to close, consider minimizing or closing other open windows or applications to narrow down the options.

Additional Methods for Closing Dialog Boxes

Aside from the previously mentioned methods, there are a few more ways you can close dialog boxes in Microsoft Word. These alternative methods can come in handy when the standard options are not available or suitable for your specific situation.

Method 4: Using the Windows Task Manager

In rare cases, a dialog box may appear frozen or unresponsive, making it impossible to close it using the standard methods. In these situations, you can use the Windows Task Manager to forcefully close the dialog box. To close a dialog box using the Task Manager, follow these steps:

  • Press the "Ctrl + Shift + Esc" keyboard shortcut to open the Windows Task Manager.
  • In the Task Manager window, click on the "Applications" tab.
  • Locate and select the Microsoft Word application from the list of running applications.
  • Click on the "End Task" button at the bottom-right corner of the Task Manager window.

Things to Remember

When using the Windows Task Manager to close a dialog box, keep the following in mind:

  • Forcefully closing the dialog box using the Task Manager may result in the loss of any unsaved data or changes made within the dialog box.
  • Use this method sparingly and as a last resort when all other options have failed.

Method 5: Completing the Required Action

Some dialog boxes in Microsoft Word require you to complete a certain action or provide necessary information before they can be closed. In such cases, simply fulfilling the required action or inputting the requested information will automatically close the dialog box. Follow the on-screen instructions and prompts in the dialog box until you reach a point where the box closes by itself.

Things to Remember

Here are a few things to consider when closing a dialog box by completing the required action:

  • Read the instructions carefully to ensure you understand what is being asked of you in the dialog box.
  • If you encounter any difficulties or are unsure about the requested action, consult the relevant documentation or seek assistance.

By following these various methods, you can easily close dialog boxes in Microsoft Word, allowing for a smooth and uninterrupted workflow.


How To Close Dialog Box In Microsoft Word

Closing Dialog Box in Microsoft Word

Closing a dialog box in Microsoft Word is essential to continue working on your document or task. Here are a few ways to close a dialog box in Microsoft Word:

  • Click on the "OK" button: In most dialog boxes, clicking the "OK" button will close the dialog box and apply any changes you have made.
  • Click on the "Cancel" button: If you want to cancel any changes or actions made in the dialog box, click on the "Cancel" button. This will close the dialog box without applying any changes.
  • Press the "Enter" or "Return" key: In some cases, you can use the keyboard to close a dialog box. Pressing the "Enter" or "Return" key will generally act as clicking the "OK" button.
  • Use the "X" button: In the top right corner of most dialog boxes, you will find an "X" button. Clicking on this button will close the dialog box.

Remember, closing a dialog box allows you to access other features, options, or tools in Microsoft Word. Make sure to understand the changes and actions applied within the dialog box before closing it. This will ensure the accuracy and efficiency of your work in Microsoft Word.


Key Takeaways - How to Close Dialog Box in Microsoft Word

  • Press the Esc key to close a dialog box in Microsoft Word.
  • Click on the "x" button in the top-right corner of the dialog box.
  • Use the "Cancel" or "Close" button to close a dialog box.
  • Try pressing the Enter key on your keyboard to close a dialog box.
  • If all else fails, you can try restarting Microsoft Word to close the dialog box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to close dialog boxes in Microsoft Word:

1. Can I close a dialog box in Microsoft Word without clicking the "OK" or "Cancel" button?

Yes, you can close a dialog box in Microsoft Word without clicking the "OK" or "Cancel" button. Simply press the "Esc" key on your keyboard to close the dialog box. This is a quick and convenient way to dismiss a dialog box without making any changes.

2. How can I close a dialog box using the mouse?

To close a dialog box using the mouse, you can simply click on the "OK" or "Cancel" button. The location of these buttons may vary depending on the dialog box, but they are usually located at the bottom right corner. Clicking on the "OK" button will save any changes you made in the dialog box, while clicking on the "Cancel" button will discard any changes.

3. Is there a keyboard shortcut to close a dialog box in Microsoft Word?

Yes, there is a keyboard shortcut to close a dialog box in Microsoft Word. Pressing the "Enter" key on your keyboard is equivalent to clicking the "OK" button in the dialog box. However, this shortcut will only work if the "OK" button is currently selected or highlighted. If the "Cancel" button is selected, you can press the "Esc" key to close the dialog box.

4. What should I do if the dialog box is frozen or unresponsive?

If a dialog box in Microsoft Word is frozen or unresponsive, you can try pressing the "Ctrl" + "Alt" + "Delete" keys on your keyboard to open the Task Manager. In the Task Manager, navigate to the "Processes" tab, locate the Microsoft Word process, and click on "End Task" to force close the application. Keep in mind that this will close all open documents and unsaved changes will be lost.

5. Can I customize the behavior of the "Close" button in a dialog box?

No, you cannot customize the behavior of the "Close" button in a dialog box in Microsoft Word. The "Close" button is typically used to dismiss the dialog box without saving any changes. If you wish to customize the behavior of a dialog box, you would need to modify the underlying code or settings of the application, which is beyond the scope of regular usage.

These are some commonly asked questions about how to close dialog boxes in Microsoft Word. By following these tips, you can efficiently navigate through dialog boxes and manage your documents with ease.



In conclusion, closing a dialog box in Microsoft Word is a simple process that can be done with a few clicks. By understanding the different ways to close a dialog box, you can easily navigate through the various settings and options in Word.

To close a dialog box, you can click on the "OK" or "Cancel" button, or use the keyboard shortcut "Esc". It is important to note that closing a dialog box does not necessarily apply or save any changes made within the box. Always ensure that you have reviewed and confirmed your preferred settings before closing the dialog box.


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