Fix Cannot Delete Images or Hyperlinks in Word for the Web
Question details
Users are unable to permanently delete images or hyperlinks in shared online documents.
- Product
- Word for the Web
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to edit or remove content from a shared document hosted online, such as on a SharePoint site.
- Observed behavior
- Images and hyperlinks cannot be deleted; images remain visible in Viewing mode after attempted deletion, and selecting hyperlinks fails to remove them.
Ensure you have a fully-featured desktop word processor installed, as you will need to download the document locally to bypass web editing restrictions.
Download and Edit in a Desktop Application
Bypasses web browser glitches and XML object locks by editing the file in a fully-featured desktop app.
Word for the Web sometimes struggles with complex XML properties or object protection settings inherited from desktop versions. Downloading the file allows you to manage these locked objects directly.
In Word for the Web, click on 'File' > 'Save As' and select 'Download a Copy' to save the document to your local computer.
Locate the downloaded file and open it using a desktop word processor like Microsoft Word or WPS Writer.
Navigate to the 'Review' tab to ensure document protection is disabled. Select the stubborn image or hyperlink and press the 'Delete' key.
Save your changes locally, then upload the updated file back to your SharePoint or shared cloud drive.
Select a Larger Area to Delete
A quick web-based workaround that sometimes forces the deletion of a locked image by selecting the surrounding text.
Seamlessly Edit Complex Documents with WPS Office
When Microsoft Word for the Web restricts your ability to edit or delete objects, a reliable desktop application is the best solution. WPS Office is a highly compatible, lightweight, and completely free alternative that allows you to easily bypass online glitches, edit locked hyperlinks, and remove stubborn images.
- 1. Download the File: Save the problematic document from your web browser to your local computer storage.
- 2. Open in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your .docx file directly. The software effortlessly handles complex document XML.
- 3. Edit Freely: Select any locked image or hyperlink and press Delete. Make any other necessary formatting changes without browser limitations.
- 4. Save and Sync: Save the document locally. It retains full Microsoft Office format compatibility for seamless sharing online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do deleted images reappear in Word for the Web Viewing mode?
This typically happens due to synchronization glitches between the editing mode and viewing mode, or because the image object is locked in the document's underlying XML code, preventing the web version from fully deleting it.
Can saving a copy of the document fix the deletion issue?
Saving a copy online sometimes resets the document's state, but if the objects are natively locked or protected, the issue will likely persist in the copy. Downloading it to a desktop application is much more effective.
How do I check if my document is protected from editing?
In a desktop word processor, go to the Review tab and look for 'Restrict Editing' or document protection settings. If enabled, you may need a password to unlock the document before you can delete hyperlinks or images.
