Few features in Word invoke as much ire as numbered and bulleted lists. These are intended to help you apply consistent formatting to lists with a minimum of effort. Unfortunately, the results are frequently inconsistent. Further, many people spend a great amount of time trying to undo the bullets and numbering that is automatically (and some might say randomly) applied.

In all fairness, this feature has improved in the more recent versions of Word.

It is more consistent and also easier to fix. But it is still annoying.

There are two quick ways to get rid of the numbers or bullets when they’re inserted. First, use the backspace key immediately after hitting the return key (the bullets/numbering is applied when you hit return). Or, you can simply use the ctrl + z shortcut key to undo the formatting.

But perhaps the easiest thing to do is to turn off the automatic bullets and numbering. It is a quick end to your frustration!

1. On the Tools menu, select AutoCorrect Options…

2. Click the AutoFormat As You Type tab

3. Deselect Automatic bulleted lists

4. Deselect Automatic numbered lists

5. Click OK

You can still create your own numbered or bulleted lists manually. Or, you can have Word format them for you, but not until you command it to do so. Simply click the bulleted list or numbered list button on the formatting toolbar.