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How to Fix Missing Similarity Checker in Microsoft Word
Question details
The user cannot find the Similarity Checker feature within the Microsoft Word Editor pane, despite having Microsoft 365 installed.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to scan a document for plagiarism or similarity using the built-in Editor feature in Microsoft Word.
- Observed behavior
- The Similarity Checker tool is completely absent from the Editor panel, displaying only options like Corrections, Insights, and Give feedback.
Ensure your computer has an active internet connection, as Microsoft Word's advanced Editor features, including the Similarity Checker, require online connectivity to function properly.
Verify Your Microsoft 365 Subscription and Sign-in Account
The Similarity Checker is a premium feature that requires an active Microsoft 365 subscription. Signing in with the wrong account will hide this feature.
Sometimes Word may log you out or switch to a free Microsoft account by default, which instantly disables premium Editor features and limits the panel to basic grammar and spelling checks.
Launch Microsoft Word and click on 'File' in the top-left corner. Then, select 'Account' from the menu on the bottom left.
Under 'User Information', look at the email address displayed. Confirm that this is the exact account linked to your paid Microsoft 365 subscription.
Under 'Product Information' on the right side, ensure it displays 'Subscription Product: Microsoft 365'. If it shows Office 2019 or 2021, the feature will not be available.
Update Microsoft Word to the Latest Version
Older desktop builds of Microsoft Word might lack the latest Editor updates, preventing the Similarity Checker from appearing.
Use Microsoft Word for the Web
If the desktop application is malfunctioning or unsupported on your current OS, you can access the Similarity Checker via Word for the Web.
Try WPS Office for Free, Lightweight, and Efficient Document Editing
If you are tired of dealing with subscription fees or troubleshooting missing premium features in Microsoft 365, WPS Office provides a powerful, free alternative. It features a highly intuitive interface and robust tools without the heavy resource usage.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx files directly. Your formatting and layouts will remain perfectly preserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I only see Corrections and Insights in the Microsoft Word Editor?
If your Editor pane only displays Corrections and Insights, you are likely either signed in with a free Microsoft account, using a non-subscription version of Office (like Office 2019/2021), or experiencing an account sync issue. The Similarity Checker requires a verified Microsoft 365 subscription.
Can I use the Similarity Checker in Word for Android or iOS?
No, the Similarity Checker is not currently available in mobile versions of Microsoft Word, including Word for Android and Word for iOS. To use this feature, you must access Word for Windows, Mac, or Word for the Web.
Is the Similarity Checker completely free to use?
No, the Similarity Checker is a premium feature tied to Microsoft 365 subscriptions (Personal, Family, Education, or Enterprise). Users with free Microsoft accounts do not have access to this tool.
Does the Similarity Checker check my entire document at once?
Yes, clicking on the Similarity Checker in the Editor pane will scan the entire text of your document against online sources, providing an overall percentage of similar text and highlighting areas that may need proper citations.
