Ctrl+Shift+Enter does NOT insert a new line/paragraph before table in MS Word

I have seen this question posted on multiple forums: How do I insert a new line or paragraph BEFORE an existing table in MS Word? An example of such a Question is located here:

How do I insert text above a table at the top of a Word document?

The answer is most usually as follows:

1. Place your cursor in the top-left cell prior to any text.
2. Press Ctrl+Shift+Enter.

Sounds very simple and seems to work for many. But for many others, like me, it did not. When Ctrl+Shift+Enter is depressed, NOTHING happens.

I am using Microsoft Word for Microsoft 365.

See the answer that worked for me below.

1 Answer

I think I have found what may be a solution for some:

When Ctrl+Shift+Enter is depressed, by default, this is effectively inserting a Column Break.

If nothing is happening for you, you need to check if your keyboard shortcut for inserting a Column Break is active/correct:

1. Go to Quick Access Toolbar and select "More Commands." Quick Access Toolbar Screenshot
2. Select "Customize Ribbon." Keyboard Shortcuts Screenshot
3. Select "Keyboard shortcuts: Customize."
4. Scroll down and select "All Commands." Customize Keyboard Screenshot
5. Under "Commands," scroll down and select "InsertColumnBreak."
6. When I checked my shortcut assignment in the "Current keys" field, nothing was there... But if you have something there, you should be able to use whatever keyboard shortcut is in the field to insert the column break (line before the table). Try it out. If it still doesn't work, I don't know what else to tell you. However, if there is no shortcut assigned (field is blank), or you want to change the assigned shortcut, continue on:
7. Place your cursor in the "Press new shortcut key" field.
8. It seems Ctrl+Shift+Enter is considered the default keyboard shortcut for the "InsertColumnBreak" function. Of course you may use whatever key combo you want. Just be careful you don't use one that is already assigned to another function, unless you just don't care to lose that function. Knowing this, depress Ctrl+Shift+Enter (shows up as Ctrl+Shift+Return in the field), or your other chosen key combo, to record your new keyboard shortcut.
9. Click "Assign."
10. Enjoy!