Office Settings & Configuration

Fix Microsoft Word Add to Dictionary Button Disabled

Chanuka Geekiyanage Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to save new words to the spell check dictionary because the 'Add to Dictionary' button is unavailable or greyed out.

How to Fix the Add to Dictionary Button Disabled in Microsoft Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to add unrecognized, custom, or specialized words to the spell check dictionary while editing a document.
Observed behavior: The 'Add to Dictionary' button is disabled in the proofing interface, despite a custom dictionary being configured.

Before you start

Ensure that your document is not opened in Read-Only mode and that you have administrative privileges to modify Office application settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Configure Custom Dictionary Settings in Word Options

Verify that a custom dictionary is actively selected, enabled, and not marked as read-only in the proofing settings.

The most common cause for a greyed-out 'Add to Dictionary' button is that Word does not have an active custom dictionary selected, or the configured dictionary file lacks write permissions.

Open Word Options

Launch Microsoft Word, click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner, and select 'Options' from the bottom of the menu.

Navigate to Proofing Settings

In the Word Options dialog box, select 'Proofing' from the left-hand navigation pane.

Open Custom Dictionaries

Scroll down to the section labeled 'When correcting spelling in Microsoft Office programs' and click the 'Custom Dictionaries...' button.

Enable the Dictionary

In the Custom Dictionaries dialog, look for 'RoamingCustom.dic' or 'CUSTOM.DIC'. Ensure the checkbox next to it is ticked. Select the dictionary file and verify that the 'Dictionary language' at the bottom matches your document's language or is set to 'All Languages'.

Set as Default

If the dictionary is not the default, select it and click the 'Change Default' button. Click 'OK' on all dialog boxes to save your changes and restart Microsoft Word.

Configure Custom Dictionary Settings in Word Options

Check Proofing Language: If the proofing language of the selected text does not match the language of your custom dictionary, the 'Add to Dictionary' button may remain disabled.

Solution 2

Run an Office Repair

Use the built-in Microsoft Office repair tool to fix corrupted application files that may be preventing dictionary modifications.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Word Processing and Spell Checking

If Microsoft Word dictionary errors continue to interrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, lightweight, and completely free alternative that offers reliable spell-checking features without the hassle of complex configurations.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installation package.
2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word document seamlessly.
3. Use the Spell Check: Right-click any underlined misspelled word to easily add it to your WPS custom dictionary.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx, .doc) document formats.Built-in, intuitive spell check and customizable dictionary tools.Lightweight installation ensures fast performance on any PC.Familiar user interface makes transitioning from Microsoft Office effortless.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the 'Add to Dictionary' button greyed out in Microsoft Word?

This usually occurs when no custom dictionary is actively selected in your proofing settings, the default dictionary file is set to read-only, or the document's selected proofing language does not match the dictionary's language settings.

How do I locate my custom dictionary file in Windows?

You can find your custom dictionary directly through Word by navigating to File > Options > Proofing > Custom Dictionaries. Alternatively, you can search your file explorer for 'RoamingCustom.dic' or 'CUSTOM.DIC', which are typically stored in the AppData folder under Microsoft\UProof.

Can I have multiple custom dictionaries active at the same time?

Yes, Microsoft Word supports multiple custom dictionaries. You can add specialized dictionaries (like medical or legal terms) by opening the Custom Dictionaries dialog box and using the 'Add' button to include additional .dic files.

Does WPS Office support adding words to a custom dictionary?

Yes, WPS Office Writer features a robust spell-check system that allows you to right-click unrecognized words and add them to a custom dictionary, ensuring they are not flagged as misspellings in future documents.

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