Office Settings & Configuration

How to Transfer Word Grammar, Dictionary, and AutoCorrect Settings

Rana Garcia Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to move custom Microsoft Word proofing settings, including grammar preferences, custom dictionaries, and AutoCorrect rules, to a new computer.

How to Transfer Word Grammar, Dictionary, and AutoCorrect Settings

Product: Microsoft Word / Microsoft 365
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Migrating Microsoft Word settings from an old PC to a new one.
Observed behavior: Current versions of Microsoft 365 lack a built-in export tool for grammar settings, requiring users to locate and move custom configuration files manually.

Before you start

Before making any changes to hidden application folders, ensure Microsoft Word is completely closed on both your old and new computers to prevent file conflicts.

Solution 1Recommended

Transfer Custom Dictionaries Manually

Locate the UProof folder on your old computer, copy the dictionary files, and import them into Word on your new machine.

Since Microsoft 365 does not offer an automated export tool for proofing settings, custom dictionaries must be moved using Windows File Explorer. These files contain all the unique words you have added to your dictionary over time.

Locate dictionary files

On your old computer, open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\UProof (replace <username> with your actual Windows username).

Copy the files

Locate the .dic files, such as CUSTOM.DIC, and copy them to a USB flash drive or cloud storage folder.

Transfer to the new computer

Paste the copied .dic files into the identical UProof directory path on your new computer.

Add to Word

Open Word on the new computer, click File > Options > Proofing, click on 'Custom Dictionaries', and add the transferred files to the list.

Hidden Folders: The AppData folder is hidden by default in Windows. You may need to click 'View' in File Explorer and check 'Hidden items' to see it.

Solution 2

Recreate Grammar and AutoCorrect Settings

Grammar rules and AutoCorrect entries must be set up manually because older automated tools are no longer supported.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Seamless Writing Experience

Tired of dealing with complex configuration files and manual settings transfers? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative with intuitive proofing, spell-check, and writing tools.

1. Download WPS Office: Get the free installation package from the official WPS website.
2. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and seamlessly open any existing .docx files without losing formatting.
3. Configure Proofing: Navigate to Menu > Options > Spell Check to easily add custom dictionaries and modify AutoCorrect rules.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) file formats.Lightweight design for fast installation and smooth operation.Built-in spell check and easy-to-manage custom dictionaries.Familiar interface with zero learning curve.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Save My Settings Wizard in Microsoft 365?

No, the Save My Settings Wizard has been discontinued and is not available in current versions of Microsoft 365. Settings like grammar rules and dictionaries must be transferred or recreated manually.

Where are Microsoft Word custom dictionaries saved?

Custom dictionaries in Word are typically saved in the hidden AppData folder on Windows. The standard path is C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\UProof.

Is there an export button for Word AutoCorrect entries?

Microsoft Word does not provide a standard export tool for AutoCorrect entries in recent Microsoft 365 versions. You generally need to recreate them manually via File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options.

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