Problem
A Microsoft Word user encounters problems where it automatically detects creation of bulleted or numbered lists when it is not the users intention to do so.
Applies to
- Microsoft Word
Resolution
By default Microsoft word will attempt to autoformat text into a list format, some users may find this off-puttint. Please use either set of steps depending on how you navigate the computer.
Method 1 - using the mouse
- Select the File menu.
- Select Options.
- Select the Proofing tab on the left pane.
- Select AutoCorrect Options….

- Select the AutoFormat As You Type tab.

- Uncheck the Automatic bulleted lists and Automatic numbered lists options. Click OK.
Method 2 - Using the keyboard
These instructions can be used by those who use the keyboard to navigate applications to disable the automatic lists feature in Microsoft Word:
- Press ALT+F for File menu and down arrow to “options” then press ENTER.
- In the dialogue use the arrow keys to navigate to “proofing” in the category list on the left.
- From the category list press TAB to reach the “AutoCorrect options” button and press spacebar to activate it.
- Then press CONTROL+TAB to reach the Autoformat as you type dialogue tab.
- In AutoCorrect options dialogue press TAB to read the Automatic bulleted lists checkbox and press spacebar on it to disable automatic bulleted lists as you type.
- Then press TAB until you reach the Automatic numbered lists and press spacebar to disable automatic bulleted lists as you type.
- Then press TAB to reach the OK button, then press SPACEBAR on it.
- Do the same in the main options dialogue also to complete the changes.