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Fix Hyperlinks Not Opening in Microsoft Word on Mac
Question details
The user is unable to open inserted hyperlinks in Microsoft Word documents on macOS by clicking or double-clicking them.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to open linked webpages or files from within a Microsoft Word document on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- Hyperlinks do not trigger or open the intended destination when clicked, causing workflow interruptions.
Ensure your Mac is connected to the internet and verify that your default web browser is functioning properly before troubleshooting Word hyperlink settings.
Check Hyperlink Click Settings in Word Preferences
Word for Mac may require a Command+Click instead of a simple double-click depending on your application preferences.
By default, Microsoft Word often requires users to hold the Command key while clicking a link. This is designed to prevent accidental clicks while you are editing text. You can easily adjust this behavior in the Preferences menu.
Hover your cursor over the hyperlink in your document. A tooltip will appear indicating whether you need to single-click or press 'Cmd' + click to follow the link.
Click on the 'Word' menu at the top-left of your Mac screen, then select 'Preferences' from the dropdown menu.
Click on 'Edit' within the Preferences window. Look for the option labeled 'Use Command + Click to follow hyperlink'. Uncheck this box if you prefer hyperlinks to open with just a single click.
Return to your document and click the hyperlink using your newly configured method to verify that the destination opens in your browser.
Verify Link Destination and Reinsert the Hyperlink
The hyperlink itself might be broken, incorrectly formatted, or pointing to a destination that no longer exists.
Try WPS Office for Mac to Easily Manage Documents and Links
If you frequently encounter settings and functionality issues with Microsoft Word on macOS, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, free alternative with an intuitive interface, making document formatting and hyperlink management completely hassle-free.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install the free version of WPS Office for Mac from the official WPS website.
- 2. Open your Word Document: Launch WPS Writer and select 'Open' to load your existing .docx files directly.
- 3. Click Links Seamlessly: Hover over any hyperlink in your document and click to open it instantly without navigating through complex preference menus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to press Command to open a link in Word for Mac?
By default, Word requires you to hold the Command key while clicking a hyperlink to prevent accidental clicks while you are typing or formatting text. You can disable this security feature in Word Preferences under the Edit section.
What if the hyperlink is blue and underlined but still won't open?
The visual formatting (blue and underlined) does not guarantee the link destination is valid or active. Right-click the link, select 'Edit Hyperlink', and verify that the URL in the Address box is correct and begins with 'http://' or 'https://'.
Can a corrupt Word document cause hyperlinks to stop working?
Yes, underlying file corruption can break hyperlink functionality and other interactive elements. Try copying all the text and pasting it into a new, blank document to see if the links function properly there.
How do I safely remove a broken hyperlink in Word for Mac?
Right-click the hyperlink you wish to remove and choose 'Hyperlink', then click 'Remove Hyperlink'. The display text will remain in your document, but it will no longer be clickable.
