Word 2013 normally selects an entire word when you drag the mouse across text and extend the selection beyond part of that word. If you prefer character-by-character selection, Word includes an option that disables this automatic whole-word behavior.
Turn off automatic whole-word selection
- Open Microsoft Word 2013.
- Select File.
- Choose Options.
- Select Advanced in the left column.
- Look in the Editing options section.
- Clear When selecting, automatically select entire word.
- Select OK to save the change.
Try dragging across part of a word afterward. Word should allow more precise character-level selection instead of expanding the selection automatically.
Double-clicking still selects a word
This option affects drag-selection behavior. Deliberately double-clicking a word is still a normal shortcut for selecting that word, so do not use a double-click as the test for whether the setting changed.
Keyboard selection provides precise control
You can also place the insertion point and hold Shift while using the arrow keys to select text one character at a time. Ctrl+Shift with an arrow selects larger word-based ranges, which is useful when you intentionally want faster selection.
The preference applies to Word, not every Windows app
Other programs can implement mouse selection differently. Changing the Word option will not necessarily affect Outlook, browsers, Notepad, or third-party editors.
Office 2013 reached end of support in April 2023. Word 2013 can still perform this editing task, but Microsoft no longer supplies normal security updates for the suite. Use a currently supported Office or Microsoft 365 version for documents from untrusted sources and ongoing online collaboration.
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.