Solved: How to Disable Automatic URL and Email Linking in Microsoft Word?

In Microsoft Word, you may have noticed that it automatically turns URLs and email addresses into clickable links. While this feature can be helpful, it can also become bothersome if you rarely need it.

If you’d like to make non-linking the default behavior and avoid the hassle of constantly removing links, here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Open Microsoft Word.

Step 2: Click on the “File” tab in the upper-left corner to access the Backstage view.

Step 3: Select “Options” at the bottom of the navigation pane. This will open the Word Options dialog box.

Step 4: 4. In the Word Options dialog box, go to the “Proofing” category on the left sidebar.

Step 5: Click on the “AutoCorrect Options” button. This will open the AutoCorrect dialog box.

Step 6: In the AutoCorrect dialog box, navigate to the “AutoFormat As You Type” tab.

Step 7: Look for the section titled “Replace as you type” and find the option that says “Internet and network paths with hyperlinks.”

Step 8: Uncheck this option to prevent Word from automatically creating links for URLs.

Step 9: Click “OK” to close the AutoCorrect dialog box.

Step 10: Click “OK” again in the Word Options dialog box to save your changes and exit.

From now on, Microsoft Word will no longer automatically convert URLs and email addresses into clickable links, making it easier for you to work without the need to manually remove links each time.

These steps should help you resolve the issue and streamline your Word document editing experience. If you ever decide to re-enable this feature in the future, simply follow the same steps but check the “Internet and network paths with hyperlinks” option in the AutoCorrect dialog box.