Office Settings & Configuration

Fix Word Grammar and Spelling Proofing Options Disabled

WPS Editor Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user's grammar and spelling proofing options in Microsoft Word are completely disabled or grayed out despite checking settings, running Office updates, and performing repairs.

How to Fix Word Grammar and Spelling Proofing Options Disabled

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: The user is attempting to use the native spell check and grammar proofing features to review a document.
Observed behavior: The built-in spelling and grammar tools remain disabled and inaccessible, preventing the user from checking their document for errors.

Before you start

Before modifying your application add-ins or settings, please save your current document to prevent any accidental data loss during the restart process.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable Third-Party Proofing Add-ins like Grammarly

Third-party spelling and grammar tools can conflict with Word's built-in proofing features. Disabling them often restores the native functionality.

Recent updates to third-party proofing applications, such as Grammarly, have been known to interfere with Microsoft Word's native spelling and grammar checks. Disabling the COM add-in for these external tools will typically resolve the conflict without requiring an Office reinstall.

Open Word Options

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

Navigate to Add-ins

In the Word Options dialog box, click on 'Add-ins' in the left-hand sidebar.

Manage COM Add-ins

At the bottom of the Add-ins window, look for the 'Manage' drop-down menu, select 'COM Add-ins', and click the 'Go...' button.

Disable the Conflicting Add-in

Locate Grammarly or any other third-party proofing tool in the list, uncheck the box next to it, and click 'OK'.

Restart Microsoft Word

Close Microsoft Word completely and reopen your document to verify that the native grammar and spelling proofing options are now enabled.

Disable Third-Party Proofing Add-ins like Grammarly

Resolution Verified: Once the conflicting add-in is disabled and Word is restarted, the built-in proofing tools should immediately become available.

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Try WPS Office for Reliable Document Proofing

If Microsoft Word's proofing tools keep failing or conflicting with your system add-ins, consider switching to WPS Office. It offers a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative with robust built-in spell checking that works smoothly out of the box.

1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your device.
2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word (.docx) document.
3. Use Built-in Spell Check: Navigate to the 'Review' tab on the ribbon and click 'Spell Check' to effortlessly proofread your document.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsBuilt-in spell check and grammar tools that work without add-in conflictsLightweight installation that doesn't bog down your systemFamiliar user interface for a seamless transition

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my spell check grayed out in Word?

Spell check can be grayed out due to conflicting third-party add-ins (like Grammarly), incorrect language proofing settings, or if the 'Do not check spelling or grammar' option is accidentally checked in your text settings.

How do I check if Word is ignoring my text for spelling errors?

Select your text, go to the 'Review' tab, click on 'Language', and choose 'Set Proofing Language'. Ensure that the box for 'Do not check spelling or grammar' is unchecked.

Do I need to reinstall Office to fix grammar check issues?

No, reinstalling is usually unnecessary. Most proofing issues can be resolved simply by disabling conflicting COM add-ins, resetting language settings, or running a quick Office Repair from the Windows Control Panel.

Office App Problems