Office Compatibility Issues

How to Fix Missing Proofing Tools in Word for Trados Studio

Nimra Malik Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users need to resolve an error where Trados Studio cannot detect Microsoft Word's proofing tools for spell check, despite the feature working natively in Word.

How to Fix Missing Proofing Tools in Word for Trados Studio

Product: Microsoft 365 Word, Trados Studio
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Translating or reviewing documents in Trados Studio using Microsoft Word's spell check integration.
Observed behavior: Trados Studio fails to find the proofing tools, and the GetSpellingSuggestions function fails, even though Microsoft 365 Word version 2308 correctly detects misspelled words internally.

Before you start

Ensure you save and backup any active translation memory or projects in Trados Studio, and verify that you have an active internet connection to download potential Office updates.

Solution 1Recommended

Update Microsoft 365 Word

Force an update to Microsoft 365 to resolve bugs in the proofing tools API that prevent external applications from accessing spelling suggestions.

Compatibility issues between third-party applications and Microsoft Office often stem from specific build versions. Updating Microsoft 365 ensures you have the latest API bug fixes required for integration.

Access Word Account Settings

Open Microsoft Word, click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner, and select 'Account' from the bottom of the left sidebar.

Check for Updates

Under the 'Product Information' section, click on 'Update Options' next to Office Updates, then select 'Update Now' from the dropdown menu.

Restart Applications

Wait for the update to download and install completely. Once finished, restart both Microsoft Word and Trados Studio to apply the changes.

Update Completion: If you were on version 2308, updating to a newer release often restores the GetSpellingSuggestions functionality across integrated apps.

Solution 2

Seek Integration Support from RWS Trados

If Word's native spell check works flawlessly but the error persists only in Trados, you should seek community or official support for the Trados integration.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Word Processing

If you are tired of dealing with complex integrations, broken APIs, and constant updates, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a robust, highly compatible word processing environment completely free of charge.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button to get the latest version.
2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to install WPS Office on your computer.
3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and seamlessly open, edit, and spell-check your existing Microsoft Word documents without compatibility issues.

Excellent compatibility with Microsoft Word formats (.docx, .doc).Built-in, reliable proofing tools and spell check that require no complex setup.Lightweight installation ensures fast load times without draining system resources.Familiar ribbon interface makes transitioning from MS Office completely seamless.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Word detect misspelled words, but Trados Studio says proofing tools are missing?

This happens when the background API used by third-party apps (like GetSpellingSuggestions) fails to communicate with Word. Word's internal spell checker relies on different internal functions that might still work even when external integration is broken.

Can I manually reinstall Word proofing tools to fix this?

Yes, you can download specific language accessory packs from Microsoft's official website. Installing these packs can sometimes refresh the proofing tools registry and restore the connection to external apps like Trados Studio.

Does updating Office always fix Trados integration issues?

Not necessarily. If a recent Office update introduced the bug, you might need to wait for Microsoft to release a subsequent patch, or you may need to wait for RWS Trados to update their software to match the new API behavior.

Office App Problems