Remove Hyperlinks Automatically Inserted by Excel

October 24, 2023 - by Bill Jelen

Problem: Excel has an annoying habit. Whenever you type something in a cell that looks like an e-mail address or a Web site URL, Excel will underline the value, change the font color to blue, and make it a clickable hyperlink.

Strategy: To remove a hyperlink, you right-click the cell and choose Remove Hyperlink.

You can prevent Excel from adding hyperlinks in the first place. Choose File, Options. Select the Proofing category and then click the AutoCorrect Options button. Choose the AutoFormat As You Type tab in the AutoCorrect dialog. Uncheck the Internet and Network Paths with Hyperlinks check box.

Additional Details: New in Excel 2010, you can remove the hyperlinks from an entire range at one time. Select the range of hyperlinks and make sure that the active cell contains a hyperlink. Right-click and choose Remove All Hyperlinks.

Problem: I have a hyperlink in my worksheet in cell A10. I want to select that cell without following the hyperlink.

Strategy: Click and hold the mouse on the cell. When the pointing hand changes to a white cross, release the mouse button. You will select the cell instead of following the hyperlink.

This article is an excerpt from Power Excel With MrExcel

Title photo by Tamanna Rumee on Unsplash