How to Add AutoCorrect from the Right-Click Menu in Word 2016
Question details
The user wants to know how to add words to AutoCorrect directly from the right-click menu in Microsoft Word 2016, as the traditional command is missing.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 2016
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Trying to quickly add misspelled words to the AutoCorrect dictionary while editing a document.
- Observed behavior
- The 'Add to AutoCorrect' option is no longer directly visible or available in the default right-click context menu for misspelled words.
Ensure your Microsoft Word 2016 is updated to the latest build, as interface options in the spelling context menu can slightly vary depending on the update version.
Use the 'See More' Option in the Editor Dialog
Access the AutoCorrect options natively through the updated spelling correction interface in Word 2016.
Microsoft removed the direct 'Add to AutoCorrect' shortcut to streamline the context menu. The feature is still available but requires navigating through the Editor dialog.
Locate the word marked with a red squiggly line in your document and right-click it to open the spelling context menu.
In the right-click menu, click on 'See More' to expand the spelling correction options.
A side Editor pane or legacy spelling dialog will open. Locate the suggested correction you want to use.
Click the small arrow next to the desired correction suggestion and choose 'Add to AutoCorrect' from the dropdown list.
Restore the Legacy Spell-Check Dialog Using a Macro
Create a VBA macro to bring back the older Word spell-check dialog that includes the AutoCorrect option directly.
Install a Third-Party Context Menu Utility
Use external add-ins to customize and restore the shortcut menu command.
Enjoy Classic and Intuitive Menus with WPS Office
If you find the redesigned menus in Microsoft Word 2016 frustrating and difficult to navigate, try WPS Office. It offers a highly compatible, user-friendly interface that makes everyday editing tasks like AutoCorrect fast and straightforward.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Install and Open: Run the installer, open WPS Writer, and load your existing Word documents seamlessly.
- 3. Edit with Ease: Right-click any text to use familiar, easy-to-navigate context menus for spelling and grammar corrections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the 'Add to AutoCorrect' option removed from the right-click menu?
Microsoft redesigned the context menu in newer versions of Word to streamline the interface. They moved some legacy features, like direct AutoCorrect additions, into the broader Editor pane to reduce right-click clutter.
Can I customize the right-click menu in Word 2016 natively?
Microsoft Word does not provide a native, user-friendly interface for customizing right-click context menus. Customization generally requires writing XML/VBA code or using third-party add-ins.
Will these AutoCorrect workarounds work in Microsoft 365?
The 'See More' Editor dialog is available natively in Microsoft 365. However, third-party utilities and specific legacy macros designed for Word 2016 often experience compatibility issues with newer Microsoft 365 cloud updates.
