While writing documents in MS Word, one problem that annoys plenty of people is the automatic hyper-linking of web addresses. This feature is provided by this software to allow easy access to a web link by clicking on it. Although some of users like to have this feature in their documents, there are many who do not. Therefore, if you are annoyed by this automatic hyper-linking in MS Word, then why not disable it. The steps for turning off hyperlinks in MS Word depend on the version of MS Word that you are using. Below you can find step-by-step processes of disabling hyperlinks in MS Word 2003, 2007, 2010, and 2013 versions.

Removing Hyperlinks in MS Word

The quickest way of getting rid of a hyperlink that already exists in a document is by selecting the link and then pressing “CTRL + U” together. This will remove the selected hyperlink from the document. When you want to get rid of all the hyperlinks in a document, you can simply press “CTRL + A” and then press “CTRL + SHIFT + F9” and this will convert all the hyperlinks into plain text. However, if you are searching for a way to permanently remove the automatic linking of hyperlinks while you are typing, then follow the steps given below. The steps mentioned are for different versions of MS Word. So, simply find the guide below for your particular version to stop Word from automatically creating links in your documents.

MS Word 2003

1. Click on “Tools.”
2. Select the option “Auto Correct Options.”
3. Click the option “AutoFormat As You Type.”
4. Unselect the option “Internet and Network Paths.”

MS Word 2007

1. On the top right side of your window there is an “Office” button, click on it.
2. From the options you see, select the “Word Options” button.
3. Select the “Auto Correct Options” on the left pane.
4. Press on the tab that is titled “AutoFormat As You Type”
5. You will find a category labeled “Replace As You Type”. Under that, uncheck the option “Internet & Network Paths With Hyperlinks.”
6. Click “Ok.”

MS Word 2010

1. Click on the “File” tab and then select “Options.”
2. In the dialog box “Word Options,” select “Proofing.”
3. You will see the section “AutoCorrect Options,” in that section click on “AutoCorrect Options.”
4. This will pop up the “AutoCorrect” dialog box. In the dialog box, select the tab “AutoFormat As You Type.”
5. In this tab you should uncheck the box labeled “Internet & network paths with hyperlinks.”
6. Click “Ok.”
7. Close the dialog box of “Word Options.”

MS Word 2013

1. On the top left of the screen click on “File.”
2. On the bottom of left-hand menu click “Options.”
3. On the left side of the popup window click “Proofing.”
4. You will see the section “AutoCorrect Options,” in that section click on “AutoCorrect Options.”
5. This will bring up the “AutoCorrect” dialog box. In the dialog box select the tab “AutoFormat As You Type.”
6. In this tab you should uncheck the box of “Internet and network paths with hyperlinks.”
7. Click “Ok.”
8. Close the dialog box of “Word Options.”

Final thoughts

Hyperlinks can spoil the aesthetics of a well-written and clean document. However, by following the steps given above you can easily stop the automatic appearance of hyperlinks in MS Word permanently. The methods mentioned above are suitable for use in the four most popular versions of MS Word.