By default, in Word, when you select text and then type anything, the selected text is replaced with what you type. This can be frustrating if you’ve highlighted some text and then accidentally pressed a key and lost your work.

There is a setting for this behavior in Word that is on by default. To turn off this setting and avoid replacing selected text with what you type, click the “File” tab.

01_clicking_file_tab

Click “Options” on the left side of the “Info” screen.

02_clicking_options

On the “Word Options” dialog box, click “Advanced” in the left pane.

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In the “Editing options” section, at the top of the right pane, select the “Typing replaces selected text” check box so there is no check mark in the box.

04_uncheck_typing_replaces_selected_text

Click “OK” to accept your change and close the “Word Options” dialog box.

05_clicking_ok

Now, when you type while some text is selected, the newly typed text is inserted before the selected text.