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Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix Hyperlinks Showing as Field Codes in Microsoft Word

Adam DavisAdam Davis Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to restore normal text links because the word processor is currently displaying hyperlinks as raw field codes.

How to Fix Hyperlinks Showing as Field Codes in Microsoft Word
Product
Microsoft Word
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Reading or editing a document containing hyperlinks.
Observed behavior
Hyperlinks appear as {HYPERLINK "url"} instead of clickable blue text, and deleting the code removes the link entirely.
Before you start

Ensure your keyboard's Function (Fn) key is not locked if you plan to use keyboard shortcuts to toggle the field codes.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Keyboard Shortcut to Toggle Field Codes

The fastest way to hide field codes and show regular hyperlinks is by using the built-in shortcut.

Microsoft Word has a master shortcut that toggles between showing field codes (like hyperlinks and page numbers) and their actual results. Pressing this combination will instantly revert your links to normal text.

1
Open the Word Document

Launch Microsoft Word and open the document where the hyperlinks are displaying as {HYPERLINK} codes.

2
Press the Shortcut Keys

Press 'Alt + F9' simultaneously on your keyboard. Note: On some laptops, you may need to press 'Fn + Alt + F9'.

3
Verify the Links

Check your document to ensure the text has instantly reverted from {HYPERLINK} codes to standard clickable links.

Use the Keyboard Shortcut to Toggle Field Codes
Quick Fix: This shortcut affects the entire document at once, fixing all exposed field codes simultaneously.
Easy Document Formatting

Manage Hyperlinks and Document Settings Easily in WPS Office

WPS Office offers a highly compatible and intuitive word processor where you can easily toggle field codes or manage hyperlinks without navigating complex menus.

  1. 1. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your .docx file containing the hyperlinks.
  2. 2. Access the Options Menu: Click on 'Menu' at the top left corner and select 'Options' from the drop-down list.
  3. 3. Navigate to the View Tab: In the Options dialog box, select the 'View' tab from the left panel.
  4. 4. Disable Field Codes: Under the 'Formatting marks' section, uncheck 'Field codes' and click 'OK' to restore normal hyperlink text.
Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) files and hyperlink formatting.Intuitive settings menu to manage field codes and text links effortlessly.Free, lightweight, and fast document processing for everyday tasks.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my hyperlinks suddenly change to {HYPERLINK} field codes?

This usually happens if you accidentally press the Alt + F9 shortcut, which commands the word processor to reveal the underlying field codes for all dynamic content, including hyperlinks, mail merges, and page numbers.

Does deleting the field code remove the hyperlink entirely?

Yes, the field code is the actual instruction that creates the link. If you highlight and delete the {HYPERLINK "url"} text, both the display text and the link destination are permanently removed.

How do I hide field codes for only a specific link instead of the whole document?

You can toggle field codes for a specific selection by highlighting the {HYPERLINK} code and pressing Shift + F9. This hides the code for just that selection while leaving others in the document unchanged.