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How to Fix Automatic Spell and Grammar Checking Not Working in Word Mac
Question details
The user needs to restore the automatic spell and grammar checking feature in Microsoft Word for Mac.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Typing documents in Word where real-time error indicators like red squiggly lines are missing.
- Observed behavior
- Spelling and grammar errors are not being flagged or displayed while typing, despite the automatic checking options appearing to be enabled in the application settings.
Ensure your Mac's language settings match the language of your document, and confirm that you have not accidentally applied the 'Do not check spelling or grammar' formatting to your current text block.
Verify Spelling and Grammar Preferences
Ensure the real-time proofing features are actively enabled within Word's primary settings.
Sometimes, application updates or minor glitches can cause your proofing preferences to untoggle visually or functionally. Re-confirming these settings is the first step.
Launch Microsoft Word on your Mac. Click on 'Word' in the top Apple menu bar and select 'Preferences'.
In the Preferences window, locate and click on 'Spelling & Grammar' under the Authoring and Proofing Tools section.
Ensure the boxes for 'Check spelling as you type' and 'Check grammar as you type' are checked. Close the window to save the settings.
Test Word in macOS Safe Mode
Booting into Safe Mode helps identify if background applications or add-in conflicts are disabling the spell checker.
Reset Word Preferences
Clear potentially corrupted preference files that might be preventing the automatic check from functioning correctly.
Try WPS Office for a Flawless Writing Experience
If Microsoft Word for Mac continues to struggle with corrupted preferences or spell check failures, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with robust, built-in proofing tools.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version for free.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word files without losing any formatting.
- 3. Enjoy Real-Time Proofing: Go to the Review tab to ensure the built-in Spell Check is actively monitoring your typing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my spell check suddenly stop working in Word for Mac?
This issue is commonly caused by corrupted Word preference files, conflicting third-party add-ins, or accidentally applying the 'Do not check spelling or grammar' setting to the selected text block.
Does resetting Word preferences delete my documents or templates?
No, resetting preferences by moving the container file only clears application configurations and custom settings. Your saved documents and user data remain completely safe.
How do I ensure the correct dictionary is being used in Word for Mac?
Select all your text (Cmd + A), navigate to 'Tools' in the top menu bar, select 'Language', and choose your preferred dictionary. Ensure the 'Do not check spelling or grammar' option is unchecked before clicking OK.
