Template Issues

How to Keep Spell Check Enabled in a Word Template

Adam Davis Sep 27, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to ensure that spelling and grammar checking remain active for any new documents generated from a specific Word template.

How to Keep Spell Check Enabled in a Word Template

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating new Word documents from a custom template where the proofing tools fail to highlight errors.
Observed behavior: New documents created from the template do not detect spelling or grammar errors because the template's content was previously marked to be excluded from proofing.

Before you start

Ensure you are opening and editing the actual template file (e.g., .dotx or .wpt) directly, rather than a new blank document created from the template.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear the 'Do not check spelling or grammar' Option in the Template

Fix the issue by modifying the language settings for all existing text within the template, ensuring proofing is enabled for future documents.

When text or styles in a template are set to ignore spelling and grammar, all new documents created from that template inherit this setting. You can resolve this by selecting all the content in the template and manually enabling the proofing checks.

Open the Template File

Launch your word processor and open the original template file directly via File > Open.

Select All Content

Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all the text and elements currently present in the template.

Access the Language Dialog

Navigate to the Review tab on the top ribbon, find the Language section, and click on Set Proofing Language.

Enable Spell Check

In the Language dialog box, locate the checkbox that says 'Do not check spelling or grammar'. Clear this checkbox completely. If the box is filled with a solid square, you may need to click it twice to ensure it is entirely empty.

Save the Template

Click OK to apply the changes, then press Ctrl + S to save the template file.

Clear the 'Do not check spelling or grammar' Option in the Template

Update Document Styles: If you are still experiencing issues after applying this fix, right-click your 'Normal' style in the Styles pane, select Modify, go to Format > Language, and ensure the 'Do not check spelling or grammar' option is unchecked there as well.

Professional Word Processor

Create and Manage Templates Flawlessly with WPS Writer

WPS Office provides a highly compatible word processor that makes creating, editing, and managing document templates effortless. Ensure your spelling and grammar are always checked perfectly without complex configurations.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and launch WPS Writer.
2. Open Your Template: Click Menu > Open, and select your document template file (.dotx or .wpt).
3. Verify Spell Check Settings: Go to the Review tab, select all text, click on Spell Check > Set Language, and confirm that proofing is enabled.
4. Save and Use: Save the template. Any new document created from it in WPS Writer will automatically check for spelling and grammar errors.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word templates (.dotx, .dotm, .dot).Built-in, highly accurate spell check and grammar proofing tools.Free, lightweight, and fast alternative to Microsoft Office.Familiar user interface for a seamless transition.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does spell check turn off automatically in some Word documents?

This typically occurs because the text, or the style applied to the text, is formatted with the 'Do not check spelling or grammar' property. This is often inherited from pasted text or the document's base template.

Can I enable spell check for just one specific paragraph?

Yes. Select the specific paragraph you want to check, navigate to the Review tab, click on Language to open the Language dialog, and ensure the 'Do not check spelling or grammar' option is unchecked for that selection.

Does updating this setting apply to all my future templates?

No, modifying the language settings in one template only affects documents created from that specific template file. If you have multiple templates with the same issue, you will need to open each one and repeat the process.

Document & File Issues