How to Disable Left-Click Spelling Suggestions in Microsoft Word
Question details
The user wants to stop Microsoft Editor from showing spelling suggestions when left-clicking a flagged word, ideally without disabling the entire spell check feature.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Editing a document and accidentally or intentionally left-clicking on words flagged with red underlines by the spell checker.
- Observed behavior
- Following a recent Microsoft Word update, left-clicking a misspelled word automatically opens the Editor's spelling suggestion popup. There is no isolated setting to disable this left-click trigger while keeping background spell-check active.
Please note that Microsoft currently bundles the left-click suggestion feature with the overall spell-checking system, meaning you cannot disable one without affecting the other.
Disable Automatic Spell Checking Entirely
Since you cannot isolate the left-click behavior, the only immediate workaround is to disable the background spell checker completely.
Microsoft Word does not provide a standalone toggle for left-click suggestions. To stop the popups from appearing when you click on text, you must turn off the 'Check spelling as you type' feature. This will remove the red squiggly lines entirely.
Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the Microsoft Word ribbon, then select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.
In the Word Options dialog box, select 'Proofing' from the left-hand navigation pane.
Scroll down to the section labeled 'When correcting spelling and grammar in Word'. Uncheck the box for 'Check spelling as you type' and click 'OK' to apply the changes.
Submit Feedback for a Dedicated Setting
Report the issue to Microsoft's development team to request a specific toggle for left-click suggestions in future updates.
Try WPS Writer for a Distraction-Free Editing Experience
If forced updates and unchangeable interface behaviors in Microsoft Word disrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It offers a familiar interface, traditional right-click spell checking, and seamless compatibility with Word documents without the heavy resource usage.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick on-screen setup instructions.
- 3. Open and Edit: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word documents to enjoy distraction-free editing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I revert to an older version of Word to remove the left-click spelling suggestions?
While reverting to an older Microsoft Office build is technically possible using the Office Deployment Tool, it is generally not recommended due to potential security vulnerabilities and the complexity of disabling automatic updates.
Will disabling 'Check spelling as you type' hide all red squiggly lines?
Yes, turning off this feature removes the real-time red underlines indicating spelling errors. You must press F7 to manually check for spelling and grammar errors at the end of your session.
Does WPS Office have the same left-click spelling popup issue?
No, WPS Writer uses the traditional right-click menu for spelling and grammar corrections, preventing accidental left-clicks from interrupting your typing flow.
