Microsoft Word, a stalwart in word processing, boasts numerous user-friendly features. However, there are moments when these built-in functionalities might not align with the habits of all its users. One such default behavior is the automatic deletion of selected text when you commence typing. While this can be a handy shortcut for those wanting to replace highlighted content swiftly, it can be an unintentional pitfall for others who inadvertently lose essential text. Fortunately, Microsoft has foreseen such divergent needs and provides users with the ability to tweak this behavior. By delving into Word Options, the Local Group Policy Editor, or even the Registry Editor, you can modify this setting to suit your preference. Once adjusted, instead of immediately overriding highlighted content, you’d need to resort to the Backspace or Delete buttons to remove any selected text. In this Risewindows article, we’ll navigate you through the process to ensure that Microsoft Word behaves exactly as you’d like when you’re in the midst of typing.
How to Stop Microsoft Word from Removing Selected Text as You Type in Word Options?
These steps are used to make Microsoft Word stop deleting selected text as you type in Microsoft Word document:-
Step 1. Open a Microsoft Word document.
Step 2. Click on the File menu.
Step 3. Adopt Options in the left sidebar.
Step 4. Switch to the Advanced tab in the Word Options panel.
Step 5. Uncheck the option Typing replaces selected text under the “Editing options” section to block replacing selected text while typing.
Quick Note: Check the option Typing replaces selected text under the “Editing options” section if you would like to replace selected text while typing.
Step 6. Hit the OK button.
How to Prevent Microsoft Word from Removing Selected Text as You Type Using Group Policy Editor?
Do the following if you want to block Microsoft Word from deleting selected text as you type by Windows 11/10 Local Group Policy Editor:-
Step 1. Open Local Group Policy Editor.
Step 2. Browse to the following path in the left sidebar:-
User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Word 2016 > Word Options > Advanced
Step 3. Double-click on the policy name Typing replaces selected text on the right sidebar of the “Advanced” folder.
Step 4. Pick Disabled to block removing the selected text while typing on Word.
Quick Note: Pick the Enabled option if you want to delete the selected text while typing in Word.
Step 5. Hit Apply.
Step 6. Hit OK.
How to Enable or Disable Removing Selected Text when Typing in Word using Registry Editor?
Do these steps to turn on or off to delete selected text while typing in Word using Windows 11/10 Registry Editor:-
Step 1. Open Registry Editor.
Step 2. Navigate to the following key in the left sidebar of Registry Editor:-
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\office\16.0
Step 3. Right-click on the 16.0 folder and pick New > Key.
Step 4. Name this new key as the word.
Step 5. Right-click on the word folder and pick New > Key.
Step 6. Name the newly created key as options.
Step 7. Right-click on the options folder and pick New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Step 8. Name the newly created REG_DWORD as autotextdelete.
Step 9. Double-click on the autotextdelete REG_DWORD and set its “Value data” to the following:-
- 0: Block removing the selected text while typing.
- 1: Allow deleting the selected text while typing.
Step 10. Hit OK.
Step 11. Finally, reboot your PC to apply the changes.
Conclusion
Microsoft Word, while highly versatile, might not always cater to individual user habits out of the box. The default behavior of automatically deleting highlighted text upon typing is one such feature that may not resonate with every user. However, Microsoft ensures users have the flexibility to alter this behavior according to their preferences. By accessing Word Options, the Local Group Policy Editor, or the Registry Editor, one can dictate whether typing overrides selected content or not. This guide provides detailed steps for each method, ensuring that Word conforms to your desired typing habits.
