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How to Disable Automatic Spelling Correction in Word for Mac Comments
Question details
The user wants to stop Microsoft Word for Mac from automatically correcting spelling inside document comments.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Typing and editing comments in a Word document where the Modern Comments feature is active.
- Observed behavior
- Text inside comments is being automatically replaced or corrected, bypassing Word's internal spelling settings because it is being overridden by the macOS system text engine.
Verify which version of macOS you are currently running (such as Ventura, Sonoma, or Monterey), as the system settings menus have been rearranged in recent updates.
Disable Automatic Spelling Correction in macOS System Settings
Because Word's Modern Comments feature uses the native macOS text engine, you must turn off the autocorrect function at the system level to prevent automatic text replacements.
Disabling this system setting will stop macOS from replacing text automatically while you type. However, Word's internal spelling and grammar checks can remain enabled, meaning incorrect words will still be flagged with a red underline without being forcefully changed.
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
Scroll down the left sidebar and click on Keyboard. If you are on an older version of macOS, simply click the Keyboard icon in the preferences grid.
Look for the Text Input section and click the Edit button next to your Input Sources, or navigate to the Text tab on older systems.
Find the toggle or checkbox labeled 'Correct spelling automatically' and turn it off. Close the settings window and restart Word for Mac.
Try WPS Office for Mac as a Hassle-Free Alternative
If you are frustrated by confusing integrations between Microsoft Word and macOS system settings, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, standalone writing environment where you have full control over your spell check and formatting without relying on hidden OS behaviors.
- 1. Download WPS Office for Mac: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the macOS installation package.
- 2. Install the Software: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word files to enjoy a smooth, interruption-free editing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word autocorrect comments even when Word's spelling check is disabled?
Word's Modern Comments feature on Mac utilizes the native macOS text engine instead of Word's internal processor. This means it inherits your system-wide keyboard and text settings, including the macOS autocorrect feature.
Will disabling macOS autocorrect turn off spell check entirely in Word?
No. Disabling the macOS 'Correct spelling automatically' feature only stops the automatic replacement of words. As long as Word's internal spelling check is turned on, misspelled words will still be underlined in red.
How do I change the Comment Text formatting style in Word for Mac?
To modify the Comment Text style, open the Styles Pane and ensure the display option is set to show 'All Styles'. You can then find 'Comment Text', click its drop-down arrow, and select Modify. Note that this only changes text formatting and does not affect spelling correction behavior.
