Office Settings & Configuration

How to Enable Predictive Text and AutoCorrect in Microsoft Word

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to enable predictive text and AutoCorrect features in Microsoft Word to improve typing speed and accuracy.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Trying to activate text predictions or automatic corrections while typing documents in various editions of Microsoft Word.
Observed behavior: Text predictions are natively available in Microsoft 365 and Word for the web, but absent in perpetual editions like Word 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2024, requiring alternative configurations like AutoCorrect or Windows text suggestions.

Before you start

Verify which version of Microsoft Word you are using (e.g., a Microsoft 365 subscription vs. a standalone version like Word 2021), as native predictive text availability depends on your license.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Native Text Predictions in Microsoft 365 or Word for the Web

If you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription or use Word online, you can use the built-in predictive text feature.

Text Predictions anticipate what you plan to type next and display ghost text. This feature is exclusive to Microsoft 365 subscribers and Word for the web, and is not supported in perpetual versions (2016, 2019, 2021, 2024).

Open Word Options

Launch Microsoft Word and go to File > Options.

Enable Text Predictions

Click on 'Advanced' in the left pane. Under the 'Editing options' section, check the box for 'Show text predictions while typing'.

Apply and Use

Click 'OK'. As you type, suggested text will appear in grey. Press the 'Tab' key or 'Right Arrow' key to accept a prediction.

Status Bar Shortcut: You can also quickly toggle this feature by clicking 'Text Predictions: On/Off' directly in the Word status bar at the bottom of the screen.

Solution 2

Configure AutoCorrect for Frequent Words in Perpetual Editions

Since perpetual editions of Word lack AI text predictions, AutoCorrect is the best alternative for automating typing and fixing frequent typos.

Solution 3

Enable Windows System-Wide Text Suggestions

Windows 10 and 11 offer a built-in text suggestion feature that works independently of Microsoft Office, bringing predictive text to older Word versions.

Use AutoComplete and AutoCorrect in WPS Office Writer

WPS Office Writer offers powerful, built-in AutoComplete and AutoCorrect features to speed up your typing and fix errors instantly. It serves as an excellent, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Word, especially if you want smart typing features without paying for a subscription.

1. Open WPS Office Writer: Launch WPS Office Writer and open your document.
2. Enable AutoComplete: Click the 'Menu' button in the top-left corner, select 'Options', click on 'Edit', and check the box for 'Enable AutoComplete'.
3. Configure AutoCorrect: In the same Options menu, go to 'Spell Check', click 'AutoCorrect Options', and add your preferred word replacements.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word document formats (.docx, .doc).Built-in AutoCorrect options to instantly fix typos and expand abbreviations.Smart AutoComplete capabilities for faster document drafting.Free to download and use with a highly intuitive, ribbon-style interface.Lightweight performance that runs smoothly on older operating systems and devices.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is predictive text missing in my Word 2021?

Predictive text (ghost text suggestions) is a cloud-powered feature exclusively available to Microsoft 365 subscribers and Word for the Web users. Perpetual editions like Word 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2024 do not include this feature natively.

Does AutoCorrect work the same way as Text Predictions?

No. AutoCorrect automatically replaces specific characters, abbreviations, or misspelled words with predefined text as soon as you press the spacebar. Text Predictions anticipate the next words you intend to type and appear as grey ghost text for you to manually accept or ignore.

How do I accept a text prediction in Microsoft Word?

When using a supported version like Microsoft 365, you can accept a text prediction suggestion by pressing the 'Tab' key or the 'Right Arrow' key on your keyboard. If you want to reject it, simply continue typing.

Can I get text suggestions on Windows without a Microsoft 365 subscription?

Yes. Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 feature a built-in hardware keyboard text suggestion tool. You can enable it in Windows Settings under 'Time & Language' > 'Typing'. This will display a floating suggestion box in any text field, including older versions of Word.

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