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How to Fix Word Similarity Checker 'Something Went Wrong' Error
Question details
The user encounters a 'Something went wrong' error message when attempting to open the Similarity Checker from the Editor pane in Microsoft Word for desktop.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Checking a document for plagiarism or similar content using the built-in Editor pane.
- Observed behavior
- The Similarity Checker fails to load and instead displays a 'Something went wrong' error message in the Editor pane.
Ensure your Microsoft 365 subscription is active and that your device has a stable internet connection, as the Similarity Checker relies on online servers to compare text.
Switch Your Network Connection
Changing your network environment can resolve local connection issues or DNS routing problems that prevent Word from reaching Microsoft's Similarity Checker servers.
This error is frequently linked to a known bug from March 2024 involving local network restrictions or temporary server fluctuations.
Turn off your current Wi-Fi or unplug your Ethernet cable to disconnect from your primary network.
Enable a mobile hotspot on your smartphone and connect your computer to it, or toggle on a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service.
Restart the Microsoft Word desktop application, open the Editor pane, and attempt to run the Similarity Checker again.
Use Microsoft Word for the Web
If the desktop application continues to experience a known service bug, using the web version of Word can often bypass the local software error.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless Document Editing Experience
If you are frequently encountering bugs, connection errors, or feature limitations in Microsoft Word, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to Microsoft Office, ensuring you can write, edit, and review your documents without interruption.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installation file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the software.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Right-click your existing .docx files and select 'Open with WPS Writer' to continue editing seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Similarity Checker say 'Something went wrong'?
This error is typically caused by a temporary disruption between your local internet network and Microsoft's online services, or it could be related to a known bug reported within the Microsoft Word desktop application.
Is the Similarity Checker available in Word for the web?
Yes, the Similarity Checker is fully supported in Word for the web. If the desktop application fails, logging into office.com and using the Editor pane online is a reliable workaround.
Does the Similarity Checker require an internet connection?
Yes, because the tool cross-references your document's text against billions of web pages using Bing search, it requires a stable and active internet connection to function properly.
Will reinstalling Microsoft Office fix this Similarity Checker error?
Reinstalling might not resolve the issue if it is tied to a known server-side bug or a local network restriction. It is highly recommended to try a different network connection or the web version before attempting a full software reinstall.
