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To remove numbers from an existing list in Word without deleting its words, select the numbered paragraphs, then choose Home > Numbering to turn off list formatting. Select only the items you want to change; selecting the entire list converts all of it to ordinary paragraphs.
Remove numbering from an existing list
- Select the numbered paragraph or paragraphs you want to change. Select the whole list if every item should become ordinary text.
- On the Home tab, use the Numbering control in the paragraph or list controls to switch off numbering. In Word for Mac, Microsoft describes the control as Bullets or Numbering.
- Check the result. The words remain, but the selected paragraphs are no longer formatted as a numbered list. Indentation or paragraph spacing may change along with the list formatting.
Menu wording and placement can vary among Word versions and platforms. Microsoft’s Mac instructions explicitly say to select the line and choose Home > Bullets or Numbering to turn off list formatting: Microsoft’s Word for Mac list instructions.
Choose the fix for your situation
| Situation | Action | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| An existing list already has numbers | Select the relevant paragraphs and turn off Home > Numbering. | Removes list formatting from the selection while keeping its text. Microsoft Support |
| You are typing a list and want the next paragraph outside it | Press Enter twice at the end of the list. | Stops list continuation at the cursor. Microsoft Support |
| Word keeps turning typed text into numbered lists | Turn off Automatic numbered lists in AutoFormat As You Type settings. | Changes automatic formatting for future typing, not an existing list. Microsoft Support |
End a list while you are typing
If the cursor is at the end of the last list item and you want a normal paragraph after it, press Enter twice. This ends list continuation; it is not the method for removing numbering from a block that already exists. Microsoft also documents pressing Backspace to delete the final list number in Word for the web. See Microsoft’s list instructions and Word for the web instructions.
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For Word desktop on Windows, Microsoft documents this setting path for Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2024, 2021, 2019, and 2016:
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- Go to File > Options > Proofing.
- Select AutoCorrect Options, then open AutoFormat As You Type.
- Clear Automatic numbered lists and select OK.
This preference prevents Word from automatically recognizing future typing as a numbered list. To remove numbers from paragraphs already formatted as a list, use the selection-and-toggle steps above. See Microsoft’s automatic lists settings guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check that these are list numbers
The Numbering control applies to numbers attached to list paragraphs. It does not remove page numbers in headers or footers, which have separate controls under Insert > Page Numbers, or line numbers beside document lines, which are managed under Layout > Line Numbers. Microsoft’s list formatting guidance and general list instructions address list numbering; page and line numbering are separate Word features.
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