How to Disable the Spelling Pop-Up Dialog in Microsoft Word
Question details
Users want to dismiss or disable the new pop-up dialog that appears when clicking or hovering over a misspelled word in Microsoft Word, while keeping the traditional red wavy spelling underlines.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A user is typing or reviewing a document and finds the new automatic Editor spelling pop-up intrusive and disruptive to their workflow.
- Observed behavior
- A pop-up dialog appears automatically when hovering or clicking on misspelled words. Selecting 'Hide Spelling Errors' to stop the pop-up also removes the desired red wavy underlines.
Determine whether you want to completely hide all spelling errors in your document, or if you simply want to dismiss the intrusive Editor pop-up while retaining the standard red underlines.
Dismiss the Editor Pop-Up Using the Keyboard
The most effective way to handle the new Editor pop-up without losing your traditional red wavy underlines.
Because the new Microsoft Editor features are still being tested and rolled out gradually, there is currently no native toggle in Microsoft Word to disable just the hover/click pop-up dialog without turning off the spell checker entirely.
When clicking or hovering over a misspelled word with a red wavy underline, the new Editor pop-up dialog will appear on your screen.
Simply press the 'Esc' key on your keyboard to immediately dismiss the pop-up window and continue typing.
Go to 'Help' > 'Feedback' in the top ribbon to request a dedicated toggle for this feature from the Microsoft design team. Include your current Word version.
Hide All Spelling Errors in the Document
Use this method if you prefer to turn off spell checking entirely to stop both the pop-ups and the red underlines.
Experience Distraction-Free Writing with WPS Office
If Microsoft Word's new Editor pop-ups are interrupting your workflow and you cannot find a way to disable them, consider trying WPS Office. It provides a classic, intuitive spell-checking experience with traditional red underlines, no intrusive hover pop-ups, and full compatibility with your existing Microsoft Word documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the spelling pop-up appear when I hover over a word?
This is part of Microsoft's new Editor feature, which is being gradually rolled out to users. It replaces the traditional right-click context menu for spelling suggestions with an automatic pop-up interface.
Can I turn off the spelling pop-up but keep the red wavy lines?
Currently, there is no direct setting in Microsoft Word to disable only the pop-up while retaining the red wavy underlines. You must press the 'Esc' key to dismiss it manually while typing.
Will hiding spelling errors stop the pop-up?
Yes, if you go to Options > Proofing and check 'Hide spelling errors', the pop-up will stop. However, this also removes all traditional red wavy underlines from misspelled words.
Why do some users see the pop-up on click while others see it on hover?
Microsoft is continuously updating the Editor feature and rolling it out to different user groups. Depending on your specific version and update channel, the trigger behavior may vary.
