hyperlinks

Question

I can't use hyperlinks function correctly in Word docs.

Answer 1

Hyperlinks in Word can fail or behave unexpectedly for several reasons. These are the main areas to check and adjust.

1. Verify automatic hyperlink creation Word normally turns web and network paths into clickable links as typed.
2. Select File > Options > Proofing.
3. Click AutoCorrect Options.
4. On the AutoFormat As You Type tab, make sure Internet and network paths with hyperlinks is checked.
   • If this box is cleared, Word will not automatically create hyperlinks when typing addresses like www.microsoft.com.

If automatic hyperlinks are unwanted and the issue is that links appear when they should not, clear this same checkbox to turn the behavior off.

2. Turn off or on Ctrl+Click behavior If clicking a hyperlink appears to “do nothing,” it may be because Word expects Ctrl+Click.
3. Go to File > Options > Advanced.
4. Under Editing Options, either:
   • Clear Use CTRL + Click to follow hyperlink to follow links with a single click, or
   • Leave it checked and always use Ctrl+Click to open links.
5. Fix existing hyperlinks that point to the wrong place If links exist but open the wrong file or location, reset them individually:
6. Right-click the hyperlink.
7. Select Edit Hyperlink.
8. In Look in, choose the correct file, or type the correct URL in the Address box.
9. Click OK.
10. Control relative vs. absolute hyperlinks If links to other documents break when files are moved, Word may be converting them to relative paths.

• By default, the Update links on save option in Web Options is turned on, so Word converts hyperlinks to relative paths.
• To force absolute hyperlinks, set a fixed Hyperlink Base:
  1. Open the document.
  2. Open the document properties dialog (for older versions: File > Properties, then Summary tab).
  3. In the Hyperlink Base box, type a base path (for example, a root folder path) and click OK.

5. Turn off automatic hyperlink creation entirely (if that is the problem) If the issue is that Word keeps turning text into links when that is not desired:
6. File > Options > Proofing.
7. AutoCorrect Options.
8. AutoFormat As You Type tab.
9. Clear Internet and network paths with hyperlinks.

If the problem persists, describe what “doesn’t work” (links not created, not opening, opening wrong file, or showing as field codes) and any error messages so the behavior can be matched to a specific fix.

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References:

• Remove or turn off hyperlinks
• How to create absolute hyperlinks and relative hyperlinks in Word documents

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