How to Disable Microsoft Editor When Using Grammarly
Question details
The user wants to disable or minimize Microsoft Editor's spelling and grammar suggestions because they prefer using the Grammarly add-in.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Writing and editing documents with Grammarly installed as the primary writing assistant.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Editor continues to display suggestions and underlines, which interferes or overlaps with Grammarly's corrections.
Ensure you have saved all active documents and updated both your Office application and the Grammarly add-in to their latest versions before modifying system settings.
Turn Off Office Spelling and Grammar Suggestions
Disable Microsoft Editor's built-in proofing tools to prevent them from overlapping with Grammarly's suggestions.
Microsoft Editor cannot be completely uninstalled from Microsoft 365, but you can turn off its individual checking features so Grammarly can operate without interference.
Launch your Microsoft Office application (like Word), click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.
In the Word Options dialog box, click on the 'Proofing' tab located on the left sidebar.
Scroll down to the 'When correcting spelling and grammar in Word' section. Uncheck 'Check spelling as you type' and 'Mark grammar errors as you type'.
Click 'OK' at the bottom of the window to save your settings. Microsoft Editor will no longer display overlapping underlines.
Repair Office and the Grammarly Add-in
Use this solution if disabling the settings does not work and Microsoft Editor suggestions continue to persist erratically.
Try WPS Office for a Distraction-Free Writing Experience
If managing third-party add-ins and built-in Microsoft tools becomes too frustrating, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for creating, editing, and managing your documents without heavy subscription fees.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word documents. They will retain their original formatting and layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I completely remove Microsoft Editor from Office?
No, Microsoft Editor is deeply integrated into Microsoft 365 and cannot be fully removed. However, you can effectively disable its presence by turning off spelling and grammar checking in the Proofing settings.
Why do I see both Grammarly and Word underlines at the same time?
This occurs when both Grammarly and Microsoft Editor are actively scanning your text. Disabling Word's native 'Check spelling as you type' feature in the Options menu resolves this overlap.
Who do I contact if Grammarly stops working in Word?
Since Grammarly is a third-party non-Microsoft product, you should contact Grammarly Support directly for any issues specific to their add-in or desktop application functionality.
