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How to Fix AutoCorrect Not Working in Word Comments on Mac
Question details
The user wants to restore the functionality of AutoCorrect shortcuts inside comment boxes to efficiently grade or review documents.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Typing standard remarks, grading feedback, or frequently used text inside document comment boxes using AutoCorrect shortcuts.
- Observed behavior
- AutoCorrect shortcuts successfully trigger in the main body of the document but fail to expand into full text when typed inside the comment boxes.
Verify that your AutoCorrect shortcuts are set up correctly and enabled globally in Word by successfully testing them in the main document body before troubleshooting the comments feature.
Disable Modern Comments in Word Preferences
Reverting to the classic comments layout restores AutoCorrect functionality in most versions of Word for Mac.
Microsoft's Modern Comments experience handles text input differently, which currently prevents AutoCorrect shortcuts from triggering. By turning off Modern Comments, you revert to the legacy comment system where AutoCorrect functions normally.
Launch Microsoft Word on your Mac. Click on 'Word' in the top Apple menu bar and select 'Preferences' from the drop-down menu.
In the Word Preferences window, locate and click on the 'General' icon.
Look for a checkbox labeled 'Enable modern comments' and uncheck it to disable the feature.
Completely quit and restart Microsoft Word. Open your document and test your AutoCorrect shortcuts in a new comment box.
Update Word and Submit Feedback
If the option to disable Modern Comments is missing, updating the app or reporting the bug to Microsoft is the necessary next step.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Commenting and Reviewing
If Microsoft Word's Modern Comments are disrupting your grading or editing workflow, WPS Office offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with reliable text expansion and review tools.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Get the free WPS Office installer for Mac from the official website.
- 2. Open your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx file.
- 3. Use Review Tools: Navigate to the 'Review' tab to insert comments and utilize your standard text editing workflows without interruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 'Enable modern comments' option missing in my Word Preferences?
Microsoft is gradually phasing out the classic comments interface. If you are on a very recent version of Office 365, the toggle to disable Modern Comments may have been permanently removed by Microsoft.
Will AutoCorrect ever work in Word's Modern Comments on Mac?
Microsoft developers are continually updating the Office suite. Many users have submitted feedback regarding this specific AutoCorrect bug on the Word Feedback Portal, so it may be patched in a future update.
Do macOS system text replacements work in Word comments?
Sometimes macOS native text replacements (configured via System Settings > Keyboard > Text Replacements) can conflict with Word's internal AutoCorrect. However, if Word's built-in tool fails in the modern comment box, Mac system replacements often serve as a reliable workaround.
