Forum Discussion
Word bullet points
Hi all
I just got a complete new pc, and therefore also the latest version af Word!
With that in mind, I have HUGE troubles with the bullet points, which I use all the time!
ISSUE: When a bullet point is created (whether automatic or not is irrelevant) I start typing text from that bullet point. When done, I press enter, to make a new bullet point, and repeat the process of typing new text. That part works well. But when I try to delete a bullet point with the next from that bullet point, I can only do that by taking the mouse, highlighting the line, and then pressing the backspace button. If there is no text next to the bullet point, it is impossible for me to delete the point only using the backspace button. This means my work is suddenly extremely inefficient. Is it even possible to solve this????
Thanks a lot!
24 Replies
- I'm having the exact same problem - also with a brand new laptop (HP, running Windows 11). I've tried everything and it's driving me insane.
In the "AutoCorrect Options" dialogue box, I also have no "AutoFormat As You Type" tab.As Doug pointed out, the version of Word you are using will make a difference. If there is no AutoFormat As You Type tab in the AutoCorrect dialog box, then you are likely running the web browser version of Office or maybe some free app.
The online and mobile versions of Word are inferior to the full product which runs under Windows or Mac OS. This is especially true when it comes to multilevel lists which are very basic, and prone to corruption, in the simplified versions of Word.
Stefan_Blom I'm using the app:
After checking again, I was mistaken and I do have the "Auto format as you type" tab.
Details of the problem:
When in a list (regular or multi-level list, either bullets, numbers, or any other type of list), I can type an item in the list, and then I hit enter it will create a second entry on the list. But then when the curser is on the second list item, hitting enter or backspace (no matter how many times) does nothing. It will not erase the second list item, or allow me to do anything with the keyboard other than type in a new item (and then continue to add infinite list items). The only way to end the list is to manually click on the list icon or manually change the style to normal. But even when I do that, it keeps the margin/indent set to the same as the list, and backspace will not return the margin to the original left-hand side of the page. I have to manually drag the indent back to the left of the page.
Example:
1. Text
2. [CURSER HERE - BACKSPACE AND ENTER DO NOTHING]
I've tried:
- unchecking/rechecking the "Set left- and first indent with tabs and backspace" (and restarted Word in-between each setting change)
- ran the https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/repair-an-office-application-7821d4b6-7c1d-4205-aa0e-a6b40c5bb88b
- uninstalled the entire 365 suite and reinstalled (twice), using the uninstaller tool
This laptop is an HP Envy and was purchased two weeks ago. I don't have this problem on any other device. I also don't have the problem when using the Web version on this laptop, or when running the app in Safe Mode.
I'm pulling out my hair trying to fix it, it's so frustrating that it's made Word unusable.
JackHickey What version of Office\Word are you using? Is it the Desktop application or the Online version?
Can you provide a screenshot of teh AutoCorrect dialog on your computer.
This is what I see in the current version and build of Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise
- Did you ever figure this out? As someone who helps people make resumes all day long, the amount of time this has cost me is unreal.
cwaters1 Can you upload a copy of a document with which you have the issue so that we can investigate.
I have the EXACT same problem. What's changed for me? A new laptop and a new copy of MSWord. Until now, backspace would clear a bullet or numbered/lettered paragraph. Now it won't. Fiddling with settings (proofing, etc.) made not difference.
What used to be a feature is now a fumble. I've figured out that I can undo the marker by clicking the menu item in the ribbon. but now I have to remove my hand from the keyboard and use the mouse, wrecking my productivity. You've managed to annoy thousands - millions - of users!
- This is the most insane thing I have come across. I have been using word for as long as is practically possible. Suddenly I cannot use BACKSPACE or RETURN, to clear a line. I get trapped in a bullet point that does not allow me to leave it, unless I go with my mouse pointer to select - BULLETS. Why, like why. This is stupid and annoying.
What happens when you backspace or press Enter? In a multilevel list, if you are somewhere else than the top list level, pressing Enter (in particular) will change the list level.
You can always revert to an unnumbered/unbulleted style by pressing Ctrl+Shift+N, which applies the Normal style to the selection.
Is this Word for Windows? Try the "Set left and first indent with tabs and backspaces" option at File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options > AutoFormat As You Type. Clear the option if it is currently selected or select it if it is currently cleared and see if you get the behavior you expect.
Stefan_Blom thanks for the try!🙏 I didn't solve my problem, as I still can't delete the bullet point 😅
TonsEr_123 Are you using the Desktop application or Word Online?
In Word as an application in Microsoft 365, there has been no change in the way that bullet points work\can be added\deleted when using the Desktop application from the way in which they worked in earlier versions of Word.
I cannot comment on the way bullet points work in the Online version of Word as I never use it.
- Hi Doug
I use the desktop version. I find it very strange if Microsoft should have changed the option of deleting a bullet point as we are used too in previouse versions. Nevertheless, that is the case here. Maybe I need to change some settings as Stefan suggests, but I don't know what.
TobiasYou can try changing the setting I mentioned. You can always change it back if it doesn't make a difference.
Could you perhaps share a sample document with the forum, so that we can have a closer look?
