To rename a hyperlink in Word, right-click the link, choose Edit Hyperlink, and change the text in the Text to display box. Click OK, and the link shows your new wording while still pointing to the same address. You can also simply click inside the link text and type over it, as long as you don’t delete the whole link.
Quick Answer
Right-click the link > Edit Hyperlink > change Text to display > OK.
Rename With Edit Hyperlink
- Right-click the hyperlink.
- Choose Edit Hyperlink (or press Ctrl + K with the cursor in the link).
- Type the new name in Text to display.
- Leave the Address as is, then click OK.
Rename by Typing
- Click just after the first character of the link text (Ctrl + click opens the link, so use a single click).
- Type the new words, then delete the old ones, keeping at least one character of the original until you’re done so the link stays attached.
Related Hyperlink Changes
| Task | How |
|---|---|
| Change where it goes | Edit Hyperlink > Address |
| Add a hover tip | Edit Hyperlink > ScreenTip |
| Remove the link, keep the text | Right-click > Remove Hyperlink |
| Make a word into a link | Select it > Ctrl + K |
| Change link color for all links | Modify the Hyperlink style (Home > Styles) |
To show where a document is saved, insert the file path as a field.
Haven’t added the link yet? Start with how to insert a hyperlink in Microsoft Word.
Troubleshooting
- Link shows as {HYPERLINK “…”}: Field codes are showing. Press Alt + F9 to switch back.
- Text to display is grayed out: The selection includes more than the link. Click inside the link only.
- Clicking opens the link instead of editing: Word’s Ctrl + click setting may be off. Check File > Options > Advanced > Use CTRL + Click to follow hyperlink.
- Adding a link from scratch? See turning a word into a link.
Related: How to shorten a link in Word.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does renaming change the URL?
No. Only the displayed text changes.
Can I rename links in Word for the web?
Yes. Right-click the link and choose Edit Link, then change Display text.
Summary
- Right-click the link > Edit Hyperlink.
- Change Text to display.
- Keep the address the same.
- Click OK.
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.