Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix Microsoft Word Custom Dictionary Not Working

Tauseeq Magsi Oct 10, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to troubleshoot and restore functionality to a Microsoft Word custom dictionary that has stopped recognizing custom words.

How to Fix Microsoft Word Custom Dictionary Not Working

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Using the spell checker during document editing and relying on a custom dictionary for specialized vocabulary.
Observed behavior: Custom dictionary entries disappear, stop being recognized during spell check, or the dictionary is disabled or assigned to the wrong proofing language.

Before you start

Ensure your Microsoft Word is fully updated and try restarting your computer to rule out any temporary software glitches before modifying your proofing settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Default Custom Dictionary and Proofing Language

Use this solution to ensure the custom dictionary is actively selected and properly matched to your document's language, which is the most common reason for it failing to recognize words.

Custom dictionaries in Word can sometimes become unchecked after an update, or they may be assigned to a specific language. If the dictionary is set to English (US) but your document is set to English (UK), the custom words will not be recognized.

Open Word Options

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

Navigate to Proofing Settings

In the Word Options dialog box, select 'Proofing' from the left-hand sidebar.

Open Custom Dictionaries

Scroll down to the 'When correcting spelling in Microsoft Office programs' section and click the 'Custom Dictionaries...' button.

Enable the Dictionary

In the Custom Dictionaries dialog, verify that the checkbox next to your preferred dictionary (e.g., CUSTOM.DIC or RoamingCustom.dic) is checked. If it isn't, click the box to enable it.

Check the Proofing Language

Select the dictionary name (highlight it in blue) and check the 'Dictionary language' drop-down at the bottom. Change it to 'All Languages' to ensure your custom words are recognized regardless of the document's language.

Verify Default Custom Dictionary and Proofing Language

Dictionary Default Setting: If you have multiple dictionaries, make sure to highlight your primary dictionary and click 'Change Default' to prioritize it.

Solution 2

Repair the Microsoft Office Installation

If adjusting the dictionary settings does not work, the Office installation files might be corrupted and require a built-in repair.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Writing Experience

If Microsoft Word's dictionary continues to fail, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a robust, easy-to-use spell checker with simple custom dictionary management, all while remaining perfectly compatible with Microsoft Office formats.

1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and follow the quick installation process.
2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word document to begin editing.
3. Manage Custom Dictionaries: Go to Menu > Options > Spell Check, and click on 'Custom Dictionaries' to easily add your own word lists and ensure accurate proofing.

Free and lightweight office suiteFully compatible with Microsoft Word documents (.docx)Built-in spell check with easy custom dictionary managementFamiliar user interface for seamless migration without a learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Microsoft Word custom dictionary suddenly stop working?

This often happens after a software update or if the document's proofing language changes. If the dictionary is set to a specific language but you are typing in another, Word will temporarily ignore the custom dictionary.

How can I backup my custom dictionary in Microsoft Word?

You can find your custom dictionary file by going to File > Options > Proofing > Custom Dictionaries, selecting your dictionary, and noting the file path. You can navigate to that folder in Windows Explorer and copy the .dic file to a safe location as a backup.

Can I add multiple custom dictionaries to Word?

Yes. In the Custom Dictionaries settings menu, you can click 'New' to create additional dictionaries, or click 'Add' to import existing .dic files. This is useful for separating technical terms, medical jargon, or client names into different dictionaries.

Does WPS Office support custom dictionaries like Microsoft Word?

Yes, WPS Writer fully supports custom dictionaries. You can easily add specialized words to your dictionary during spell check, ensuring your professional documents are proofed accurately.

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