To make links clickable without holding Ctrl in Word 2013, click File > Options > Advanced, uncheck Use CTRL + Click to follow hyperlink under Editing options, and click OK. Now a single click on any hyperlink opens it. The same setting is in Word 2016, 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365, and in Outlook’s message editor.
The trade-off is that clicking a link to edit its text will open it instead. Here’s how to change the setting and still edit links easily.
How to follow links with a single click
- Click File > Options.
- Click Advanced in the left pane.
- Under Editing options, uncheck Use CTRL + Click to follow hyperlink.
- Click OK.
This is a Word-wide setting, so it applies to every document you open on this computer.
How to edit a link after turning this off
- Right-click the link and choose Edit Hyperlink, or Remove Hyperlink.
- Use the keyboard: Click just before or after the link with the arrow keys, then hold Shift and use the arrows to select the text.
- Click and drag starting next to the link to select it without opening it.
Make links clickable in Outlook
In Outlook, go to File > Options > Mail > Editor Options > Advanced, and uncheck Use CTRL + Click to follow hyperlink. This affects messages you’re writing, since received messages already open links with one click.
Links not working at all?
- Text isn’t a real link: Select it and press Ctrl + K to add the web address.
- Links don’t auto-create when typing: Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options > AutoFormat As You Type, and check Internet and network paths with hyperlinks.
- Links show as {HYPERLINK…}: Press Alt + F9 to hide field codes.
- Protected View: Click Enable Editing if links won’t open in a downloaded file.
For more link tips, see how to paste a link in Word and how to shorten a link in Word.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Word require Ctrl + Click by default?
So you can click inside link text to edit it without accidentally opening the page.
Does this setting carry over to other computers?
No. It’s saved on each computer’s copy of Word.
Does it affect PDFs I export from Word?
No. Links in exported PDFs open with a single click in PDF readers.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.