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How to Fix Cannot Install Office Authoring Language and Proofing Tools
Question details
The user is unable to install or upgrade grammar checkers and proofing tools in an education-licensed Microsoft 365 environment.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to use or upgrade authoring languages and proofing tools for spell and grammar checking in Office apps.
- Observed behavior
- The proofing tools fail to install or update, potentially due to institutional deployment restrictions limiting Office to the English version.
Ensure all Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) are completely closed before attempting any repair or reinstallation, and verify you have administrative access to your computer.
Run an Online Repair for Microsoft 365
Running an Online Repair fixes corrupted installation files and can trigger the automatic download of missing proofing tools.
Microsoft Office typically installs the proofing tools associated with the selected display language automatically. If they fail to load, an online repair can restore the necessary background services.
Press the Windows key, type 'Control Panel' in the search bar, and open the application.
Click on 'Programs' and then select 'Programs and Features' to view your installed applications.
Locate 'Microsoft 365' in the list, right-click it, and select 'Change'.
Choose 'Online Repair' from the prompt window and click 'Repair' to begin the process. Wait for the repair to finish.
Once the repair is complete, restart your computer and open an Office app to check if the proofing tools are now functioning.
Completely Uninstall and Reinstall Office
If a repair fails, a fresh installation ensures that the correct language packages and proofing tools are downloaded during the initial setup.
Contact Your Institution's IT Administrator
Education accounts often use managed deployments (like the Office Deployment Tool) that restrict users from installing additional language packs.
Use WPS Office for Hassle-Free Spell Check and Multilingual Proofing
If your university restricts Office installations or you cannot fix the proofing tools error, WPS Office is an excellent free alternative. It offers built-in multilingual spell check, broad format compatibility, and a lightweight installation that bypasses complex administrative restrictions.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer. The process is lightweight and does not require administrative overrides for basic features.
- 3. Enable Spell Check: Open a document, go to the 'Review' tab, and select 'Spell Check' to instantly access proofing tools in your preferred language.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my Office proofing tools missing in Microsoft 365?
Proofing tools are typically installed automatically based on your selected display language. They might be missing due to corrupted installation files, incomplete updates, or institutional IT policies restricting additional language pack downloads.
Can I download Microsoft Office proofing tools separately?
In newer versions of Microsoft 365, proofing tools and authoring languages are not separate standalone downloads. You add them by going to File > Options > Language and adding an authoring language, which prompts Office to download the necessary tools in the background.
Does the Office Deployment Tool (ODT) affect proofing languages?
Yes. If your university or organization used the ODT to install Office, the configuration XML file dictates which languages are installed. If a language is not included in the XML, users will face errors when trying to install it manually.
How do I change the spell check language in Word?
Go to the Review tab, click on Language, and select Set Proofing Language. Choose your desired language from the list. If it has a checkmark with an ABC icon next to it, the proofing tools are successfully installed.
