'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Fix Proofing and Language Commands Not Working in Excel 2016
Question details
The user is unable to use the Proofing and Language commands on the Excel 2016 Review tab due to a conflict with Microsoft 365 components and licensing.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel 2016
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to use spell check or change language settings on the Excel Review tab, but the commands are completely unresponsive.
- Observed behavior
- Clicking Proofing or Languages does nothing. Furthermore, running an Office repair may unexpectedly prompt the user for a Microsoft 365 activation instead of repairing Office 2016.
Ensure you have your original Office 2016 product key or installation media ready before making changes, as repairing or uninstalling may require you to re-activate the software.
Sign Out of Conflicting Microsoft 365 Accounts
Log out of any unintended Microsoft 365 accounts that may be overriding your Office 2016 license and causing features to lock up.
Having a Microsoft 365 account signed in simultaneously with an Office 2016 perpetual license can cause Excel to confuse which feature set and permissions to load.
Launch Excel 2016, click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the ribbon, and select 'Account' from the left sidebar.
Under the User Information section, look at the account currently signed into the application.
If you see an unintended Microsoft 365 account, click the 'Sign Out' link below the account name.
Close Microsoft Excel entirely and reopen it. Navigate to the Review tab to check if the Proofing and Language commands are now responsive.
Uninstall Conflicting Microsoft 365 Components
Remove pre-installed or accidentally installed Microsoft 365 applications that are interfering with your Office 2016 installation.
Run a Quick Repair on Office 2016
Use the Windows built-in repair tool specifically on the Office 2016 entry to fix corrupted files causing unresponsive ribbon commands.
Use WPS Office for Hassle-Free Spreadsheets and Proofing
If Microsoft Office 2016 licensing conflicts and broken ribbon commands are slowing you down, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with built-in spell check and language tools that work flawlessly without complex activation loops.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to install the suite.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your Excel files to enjoy seamless editing and reliable proofing tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Proofing commands stop working in Excel 2016?
This usually happens due to conflicting license profiles on the same computer, such as a pre-installed Microsoft 365 trial overriding your Office 2016 perpetual license. This conflict can disable certain features like the Proofing and Language commands.
Can I widen the Excel ribbon to make the Language icon more visible?
You cannot manually resize or widen specific default sections of the Excel ribbon to make icons larger. However, you can right-click the ribbon, select 'Customize the Ribbon', and create a custom group where you can place your most-used Proofing and Language commands for easier access.
What should I do if Office repair asks for a Microsoft 365 product key?
Close the activation prompt. This indicates your system is prioritizing a hidden or conflicting Microsoft 365 component. Go to your Windows 'Apps & features' list, uninstall any Microsoft 365 entries, and then run the repair specifically on the 'Microsoft Office 2016' entry.
