How to Fix Word AutoComplete for Dates Not Working in Windows 11
Question details
Users are unable to get day names and full dates to automatically complete in Microsoft Word after upgrading their operating system to Windows 11.
- Product
- Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365)
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Typing the current day name or date in a Word document, expecting the AutoComplete suggestion prompt to appear.
- Observed behavior
- Word fails to suggest day names and full dates through AutoComplete, even when the software settings are correctly configured.
Ensure you have an active internet connection to download the latest Microsoft 365 updates, and save your current work before making changes to your Office settings.
Verify AutoComplete Options in Word Settings
Check your Word Proofing and AutoCorrect settings to ensure that the AutoComplete feature is explicitly turned on.
Sometimes, software updates or OS migrations can cause certain personalized configurations to reset. Re-enabling the AutoComplete feature in the options menu can restore this functionality.
Launch Microsoft Word, click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the ribbon, and select 'Options' at the very bottom of the menu.
In the Word Options dialog box, select 'Proofing' from the left-hand menu pane.
Click on the 'AutoCorrect Options...' button located on the right side of the window.
Go to the 'AutoComplete' or 'AutoText' tab and verify that the checkbox for showing AutoComplete suggestions is checked. Click 'OK' to save your changes.
Install the Latest Microsoft 365 Updates
Since this is a known compatibility issue between Windows 11 and Microsoft 365, installing the latest patches may resolve the bug.
Report the Issue via Microsoft Feedback
If the AutoComplete feature remains broken after updating, you should submit a bug report so Microsoft developers can release a fix.
Try WPS Office for a Bug-Free Editing Experience
If Microsoft Word features like AutoComplete are disrupted by Windows 11 compatibility bugs, WPS Office offers a highly capable, free, and lightweight alternative. You get a familiar UI and flawless format compatibility without the frustration of broken features.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installer and easily install it on your Windows 11 device.
- 2. Open Your Word Documents: Right-click your existing .docx files, select 'Open with', and choose WPS Office to instantly view and edit your documents.
- 3. Enjoy Smart Typing Assistance: Utilize the built-in typing assistance and smart formatting tools in WPS Writer to effortlessly draft your documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did AutoComplete for dates stop working after I upgraded to Windows 11?
This is a known software bug involving the interaction between certain builds of Microsoft 365 and Windows 11. Even when AutoCorrect options are perfectly configured, the prompt fails to trigger, requiring an official patch from Microsoft.
Can I manually insert the date in Word if AutoComplete isn't working?
Yes. You can manually insert the current date and time by navigating to the 'Insert' tab, clicking on 'Date & Time' in the Text group, and selecting your preferred format. Checking 'Update automatically' will keep the date current.
Is there a keyboard shortcut to insert the date in Microsoft Word?
Yes, you can quickly insert the current date into your Word document by pressing 'Alt + Shift + D' on your keyboard. This provides an easy workaround until the AutoComplete feature is fixed.
