How to Remove a Hyperlink in Word: Step-by-Step Guide

//

Michael Collins

Removing a hyperlink in Word might sound like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple. All you have to do is right-click on the hyperlink, select ‘Remove Hyperlink’, and voila! The hyperlink is gone, leaving behind only the text.

Step by Step Tutorial: How to Remove a Hyperlink in Word

Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, let’s understand what we will achieve. Removing a hyperlink from your Word document can help you to make your document look cleaner, prevent accidental clicks, and keep the focus on your content rather than on external resources.

Step 1: Open your Word document

Open the Word document that contains the hyperlink you want to remove.

Step 2: Right-click on the hyperlink

Move your cursor over the hyperlink, then right-click on it. A drop-down menu will appear.

When you right-click on the hyperlink, make sure that you are actually clicking on the link and not just the text around it. If done correctly, you will see a list of options related to the hyperlink.

Step 3: Select ‘Remove Hyperlink’

From the drop-down menu, select the ‘Remove Hyperlink’ option.

Once you select ‘Remove Hyperlink’, the blue, underlined hyperlink will turn into plain text. The text will no longer be clickable, and any link formatting will be removed.

After completing these steps, the previously active hyperlink will be converted into regular text. This means that it won’t lead you anywhere if you try to click on it, and the text will not be highlighted or underlined.

Tips: How to Remove a Hyperlink in Word

  • If you want to remove multiple hyperlinks at once, hold down the ‘Ctrl’ key while selecting each link, then right-click and choose ‘Remove Hyperlink.’
  • To prevent automatic hyperlinking in Word, go to ‘File’ > ‘Options’ > ‘Proofing’ > ‘AutoCorrect Options’ and uncheck the box for ‘Internet and network paths with hyperlinks.’
  • If you accidentally remove a hyperlink, you can undo the action by pressing ‘Ctrl + Z’ or selecting ‘Undo’ from the quick access toolbar.
  • Customizing the display text of a hyperlink can be done by right-clicking the link, selecting ‘Edit Hyperlink’, and changing the ‘Text to display’ field.
  • To quickly identify all hyperlinks in your document, you can use Word’s ‘Find’ feature and search for ‘http’.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove a hyperlink without losing the text?

Yes, removing a hyperlink will only affect the link itself, not the text. The text will remain in your document as plain, unlinked text.

What if I want to remove all hyperlinks in a document?

You can remove all hyperlinks in a document by pressing ‘Ctrl + A’ to select all text, then pressing ‘Ctrl + Shift + F9’. This will convert all hyperlinks to plain text.

Is there a way to disable automatic hyperlinking in Word?

Yes, you can disable automatic hyperlinking by going to ‘File’ > ‘Options’ > ‘Proofing’ > ‘AutoCorrect Options’ and unchecking ‘Internet and network paths with hyperlinks.’

How can I edit the display text of a hyperlink in Word?

Right-click the hyperlink, select ‘Edit Hyperlink’, and then change the ‘Text to display’ field to your desired text.

Can I restore a removed hyperlink?

If you immediately realize you’ve removed a hyperlink by mistake, you can press ‘Ctrl + Z’ to undo the action. Otherwise, you’ll have to manually create a new hyperlink.

Summary

  1. Open your Word document.
  2. Right-click on the hyperlink.
  3. Select ‘Remove Hyperlink’.

Conclusion

Removing hyperlinks in Word is a handy skill that can help maintain the aesthetic and functionality of your document. Whether you’re tidying up a draft or preparing a final copy for publication, knowing how to remove a hyperlink quickly can save you time and frustration. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently manage the hyperlinks in your Word documents. Plus, with the added tips and FAQs, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any hyperlink-related issues that come your way. Remember, the key is to right-click, select ‘Remove Hyperlink’, and you’re all set! So the next time you find yourself dealing with unwanted hyperlinks, just give these methods a try, and watch how effortlessly you can make those links disappear.