Office Settings & Configuration

How to Disable Word Spell-Check Pop-Ups Without Turning Off Spell Check

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to stop the Microsoft Editor or spell-check pop-up window from automatically appearing and interrupting their typing, without completely disabling the spell-check feature.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Editing existing text in a Word document
Observed behavior: An intrusive spell-check or Editor pop-up appears automatically, interrupting typing. Disabling text predictions does not resolve the pop-up issue.

Before you start

Before making changes to your proofing settings, be aware that disabling 'Check spelling as you type' will hide the red squiggly underlines in your document, meaning you will need to manually trigger the spell checker when you are ready to review your text.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable 'Check spelling as you type' in Word Options

Adjusting the proofing options stops the Editor from aggressively popping up while you write, allowing you to focus on typing and run manual checks later.

Open Word Options

Open your Microsoft Word document, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Options' at the very bottom of the menu.

Navigate to Proofing Settings

In the Word Options dialog box, click on 'Proofing' in the left-hand navigation pane.

Disable Check as you Type

Scroll down to find the section labeled 'When correcting spelling and grammar in Word'. Uncheck the box next to 'Check spelling as you type'.

Apply Changes

Click 'OK' at the bottom of the window to save your settings. The intrusive pop-ups will no longer appear while you edit your text.

Running Manual Spell Check: With the automatic pop-ups disabled, you can still run a full manual spell check at any time by pressing F7 on your keyboard.

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If Microsoft Word's intrusive Editor pop-ups continue to disrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It offers a lightweight, distraction-free writing environment with fully customizable proofing tools, all while remaining highly compatible with Microsoft Office formats.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free, lightweight WPS Office suite.
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3. Type Without Distractions: Enjoy a clean writing environment. You can customize your spell-check preferences effortlessly under Menu > Options > Spell Check.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I run a manual spell check if I disable the automatic feature?

You can run a manual spell check at any time by simply pressing the F7 key on your keyboard. This will open the Editor pane or the legacy spell-check dialog box, allowing you to review all errors at once.

Why does the Microsoft Editor pop up while I'm typing?

The Editor pop-up appears because Word is configured by default to offer real-time spelling, grammar, and writing style suggestions as you type. Disabling text predictions alone does not stop these proofing suggestions.

Will disabling 'Check spelling as you type' permanently turn off my spell checker?

No. It only stops Word from actively checking and flagging errors with pop-ups and underlines while you are typing. The spell-check engine remains fully active in the background for when you manually initiate a check.

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