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How to Fix Unexpected Chinese AutoCorrect Entries in Word for Mac
Question details
The user is trying to resolve an issue where Chinese AutoCorrect entries appear in Microsoft Word for Mac, raising concerns about unnecessary application data and resource usage.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Using or configuring AutoCorrect features while typing documents in Microsoft Word for Mac.
- Observed behavior
- A large number of Chinese AutoCorrect entries populate the AutoCorrect list, even though the user has never enabled Chinese language settings on their device.
Ensure that Microsoft Word is completely closed before attempting to modify system template files. You should also verify that your Mac's primary system language and keyboard inputs are correctly set to your preferred language in System Preferences.
Reset the Normal.dotm Template
Resetting Word's default template will force the application to regenerate fresh configuration files, which often clears corrupted or mistakenly imported AutoCorrect lists.
The Normal.dotm file is a global template that stores default settings, macros, and AutoCorrect lists for Microsoft Word. Moving or deleting it will not erase your saved documents, but it will restore default application settings.
Ensure Word is fully closed. Right-click the Word icon in your Dock and select 'Quit', or press Command + Q while Word is the active window.
Open Finder. In the top menu bar, click on 'Go' > 'Go to Folder...' (or press Shift + Command + G). Type ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/User Content/Templates and press Return.
Locate the file named Normal.dotm in the Templates folder. Drag this file to your Desktop (as a backup) or move it directly to the Trash.
Open Microsoft Word again. The application will automatically create a clean, default Normal.dotm file. Navigate back to Word > Preferences > AutoCorrect to verify that the Chinese entries have been removed.
Manually Remove Unwanted AutoCorrect Entries
If resetting the template does not remove the persistent entries, you can manually delete them from the AutoCorrect preferences.
Contact Microsoft 365 Support for Business Accounts
If the issue persists despite troubleshooting, the problem may be linked to organizational policies or deeper software bugs requiring administrative intervention.
Experience Lightweight, Glitch-Free Document Editing with WPS Office
If persistent bloat and unexpected AutoCorrect issues in Microsoft Word for Mac are slowing down your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a clean, highly optimized environment for your Mac without the heavy resource usage.
- 1. Download WPS Office for Mac: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package specifically tailored for macOS.
- 2. Install and Launch: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder. Launch the app from Launchpad.
- 3. Open Your Word Documents: Open WPS Writer and directly load your existing .docx files to continue working seamlessly with intact formatting and clean auto-correct functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Chinese AutoCorrect entries appearing when I only use English?
This can happen due to a corrupted Normal.dotm template file, lingering cache from a recent application update, or a missing system font that forces Word to substitute data incorrectly.
Will deleting the Normal.dotm file erase my saved documents?
No. Deleting or moving the Normal.dotm file will only reset your default Word settings, such as custom margins, macros, and AutoCorrect lists. Your personal documents are stored separately and remain completely safe.
How do I back up my AutoCorrect entries on a Mac before resetting?
AutoCorrect entries are stored within the Normal.dotm template and ACL (AutoCorrect List) files. Backing up by moving Normal.dotm to your Desktop instead of the Trash allows you to restore it later if needed.
Can a third-party keyboard cause unexpected AutoCorrect behaviors?
Yes. If you have a multi-language or third-party keyboard input source enabled in macOS System Preferences, Word might inadvertently pull language-specific proofing tools. Check your System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources to verify.
