How to Fix Hyperlinks Showing as Field Codes in Microsoft Word
Question details
The user needs to restore normal text links because the word processor is currently displaying hyperlinks as raw field codes.

- 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.
Ensure your keyboard's Function (Fn) key is not locked if you plan to use keyboard shortcuts to toggle the field codes.
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.
Launch Microsoft Word and open the document where the hyperlinks are displaying as {HYPERLINK} codes.
Press 'Alt + F9' simultaneously on your keyboard. Note: On some laptops, you may need to press 'Fn + Alt + F9'.
Check your document to ensure the text has instantly reverted from {HYPERLINK} codes to standard clickable links.

Change Advanced Options to Hide Field Codes
If the keyboard shortcut does not work, you can manually disable the field code display in the settings menu.
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. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your .docx file containing the hyperlinks.
- 2. Access the Options Menu: Click on 'Menu' at the top left corner and select 'Options' from the drop-down list.
- 3. Navigate to the View Tab: In the Options dialog box, select the 'View' tab from the left panel.
- 4. Disable Field Codes: Under the 'Formatting marks' section, uncheck 'Field codes' and click 'OK' to restore normal hyperlink text.

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.




