Office Settings & Configuration

How to Find and Use Microsoft Editor in New Outlook Emails

Elise Williams Oct 7, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to access and use the Microsoft Editor command while composing an email in New Outlook.

How to Use Microsoft Editor While Composing Emails in New Outlook

Product: New Outlook
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Drafting a new email message and needing spelling and grammar check functionalities.
Observed behavior: The Microsoft Editor command is not easily visible because New Outlook has fewer customization options and uses a simplified ribbon layout.

Before you start

Verify that your Microsoft 365 account has Microsoft Editor enabled and that your New Outlook application is fully updated to the latest version.

Solution 1Recommended

Locate Microsoft Editor in the Simplified Ribbon

Find the Editor tool in the overflow menu if it is hidden from the main simplified ribbon layout.

New Outlook introduces a streamlined interface with fewer customization options compared to classic Outlook. Because of this simplified ribbon, some familiar commands like Microsoft Editor may not appear immediately on the main toolbar.

Open a new message

Launch New Outlook and click on the 'New Email' button to open the message composition window.

Check the Message ribbon

Look at the top 'Message' ribbon for the Microsoft Editor icon, which looks like a pencil with a spell-check mark.

Open the overflow menu

If the Editor command is not visible on the simplified ribbon, click the three-dot overflow menu (...) located at the far right of the toolbar.

Select Editor

Click 'Editor' from the dropdown menu to open the spelling and grammar check pane.

Locate Microsoft Editor in the Simplified Ribbon

Customization Limitations: At present, New Outlook does not support extensive customization, meaning you cannot add the Editor command to every custom toolbar or ribbon location.

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Try WPS Office for Advanced Document Editing

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1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website to download and install the free software suite.
2. Open Writer: Launch WPS Writer to create a new document with full word processing capabilities.
3. Use Writing Tools: Navigate to the 'Review' tab to instantly access spelling and grammar checks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch back to the classic ribbon in New Outlook?

Yes, you can toggle between the Simplified Ribbon and the Classic Ribbon. Click the downward-pointing arrow on the far right side of the ribbon and select 'Classic Ribbon' to display more commands, including Microsoft Editor, directly on the toolbar.

Why is Microsoft Editor grayed out in Outlook?

Microsoft Editor may be grayed out if you are not actively clicked inside the message body, if your email account does not have the necessary Microsoft 365 subscription permissions, or if you are working offline.

How do I change Microsoft Editor settings in New Outlook?

Once you open the Microsoft Editor pane from the ribbon or overflow menu, click on 'Editor Settings' at the bottom of the pane. Here, you can customize your preferences for spelling, grammar, and writing refinements.

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