Office Settings & Configuration

How to Stop OneNote from Changing Mixed-Case Abbreviations

Aamir Naveed AkramAamir Naveed Akram Oct 16, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to prevent OneNote from automatically altering abbreviations that contain mixed capitalization.

How to Stop OneNote from Changing Mixed-Case Abbreviations
Product
Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS
Windows 10
Scenario
Typing specific mixed-case abbreviations (such as 'ACs') in notes.
Observed behavior
OneNote automatically corrects the mixed-case abbreviation to a standard capitalized word (e.g., changing 'ACs' to 'Acs').
Before you start

Check which version of OneNote you are using on your computer. The settings required to fix this issue are available in the standard OneNote desktop application (formerly OneNote 2016) but are missing from the deprecated OneNote for Windows 10 app.

Solution 1Recommended

Adjust AutoCorrect Options in OneNote Desktop

Use the standard desktop version of OneNote to disable the feature that automatically corrects two initial capitals.

The standard OneNote desktop application provides comprehensive proofing options that allow you to customize exactly how AutoCorrect behaves while you type.

1
Open OneNote Options

Launch the OneNote desktop application. Click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the window, then select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.

2
Navigate to Proofing Settings

In the OneNote Options dialog box, click on 'Proofing' in the left-hand sidebar, then click the 'AutoCorrect Options...' button.

3
Disable Initial Capitals Correction

In the AutoCorrect tab, locate and uncheck the box labeled 'Correct TWo INitial Capitals'.

4
Save Changes

Click 'OK' in the AutoCorrect window, and then click 'OK' again in the Options window to apply your new settings.

Adjust AutoCorrect Options in OneNote Desktop
Add AutoCorrect Exceptions: If you want to keep the initial capitals correction active for regular typos, you can click the 'Exceptions...' button in the AutoCorrect menu and manually add abbreviations like 'ACs' to the exceptions list instead.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneNote for Windows 10 change my abbreviations?

OneNote for Windows 10 is a simplified, deprecated application that lacks the detailed AutoCorrect exception settings found in the standard desktop version, causing it to rigidly enforce standard capitalization rules.

Can I add exceptions to AutoCorrect in OneNote?

Yes, but only in the standard OneNote desktop application. You can go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options, and click the 'Exceptions...' button to add specific words to your exclusion list.

Is OneNote for Windows 10 being replaced?

Yes, Microsoft is consolidating its note-taking applications and recommends users transition to the main OneNote desktop application, which includes the full suite of features like advanced proofing and local backups.