Office for Mac Issues

How to Stop Word for Mac from Automatically Changing Foreign Words

Algirdas Jasaitis Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to prevent Word for Mac from automatically modifying foreign-language words in English documents.

How to Stop Word for Mac from Automatically Changing Foreign Words

Product: Microsoft Word for Mac
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Typing or editing documents containing foreign words, particularly when Track Changes is enabled.
Observed behavior: Word for Mac automatically changes or replaces foreign-language words without the user initiating a manual spell check.

Before you start

Ensure your macOS and Microsoft Office suite are updated to the latest versions, and save your current document before modifying add-in configurations.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable Third-Party Add-ins and Utilities

Identify and disable background add-ins, such as PerfectIt, that can alter document text automatically even when not actively running.

Third-party writing utilities and add-ins can integrate deeply with Word for Mac. Even if you haven't manually launched an add-in like PerfectIt, its background processes may still automatically correct or replace words it misidentifies as spelling errors.

Open the Templates and Add-ins Menu

Launch Microsoft Word for Mac. In the top Apple menu bar, click on 'Tools' and select 'Templates and Add-ins'.

Uncheck Suspicious Add-ins

Look under the 'Global Templates and Add-ins' section. Uncheck the box next to any third-party add-ins, such as PerfectIt, to temporarily disable them.

Restart Word for Mac

Click 'OK' to save your changes. Completely quit Microsoft Word (Command + Q) and reopen your document to verify if the unauthorized word changes have stopped.

Disable Third-Party Add-ins and Utilities

Add-in Isolation: If the issue stops after disabling add-ins, try enabling them one by one to pinpoint exactly which software is causing the unwanted text modifications.

Solution 2

Adjust Built-in AutoCorrect Settings

Prevent Word's native AutoCorrect from attempting to replace unrecognized foreign words with similarly spelled English words.

Solution 3

Boot Mac in Safe Mode

Start your Mac in Safe Mode to check if system-level third-party utilities or cache issues are interfering with Word.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Hassle-Free Document Editing with WPS Office

If third-party add-ins or aggressive auto-formatting in Word for Mac continue to disrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides an intuitive, reliable writing environment that respects your precise text inputs without unwanted background modifications.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free macOS installation package.
2. Install on Your Mac: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word documents to continue editing with full control over your text.

Seamlessly opens, edits, and saves Microsoft Word (.docx) files with excellent format compatibility.Provides full manual control over proofreading, preventing unexpected auto-translations of foreign text.Free and lightweight Office alternative designed for fast, optimal performance on macOS.Familiar user interface ensures a zero-learning-curve transition from Microsoft Office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Word for Mac change my words when I haven't run spell check?

This usually happens due to background add-ins (like PerfectIt) or the 'Replace text as you type' feature in AutoCorrect, which modify text on the fly without waiting for a manual spell check.

How do I tell Word that a specific word is in a foreign language?

Highlight the foreign text, navigate to Tools > Language, select the correct foreign language, and check the box for 'Do not check spelling or grammar' to prevent Word from altering it.

Will disabling AutoCorrect fix the problem completely?

Not necessarily. If the changes are being driven by a third-party add-in or macro, turning off native AutoCorrect won't stop the behavior. You must disable the interfering add-in via Tools > Templates and Add-ins.

Can I prevent third-party add-ins from loading in Word for Mac?

Yes. By holding the Shift key while launching Microsoft Word, you start the application in its own Safe Mode, which temporarily prevents global add-ins and templates from loading.

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