Office Settings & Configuration

How to Troubleshoot Incorrect Word Similarity Checker Results

Amos Gikunda Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is experiencing issues with the Word Similarity Checker returning inaccurate results or failing to load entirely.

How to Troubleshoot Incorrect Word Similarity Checker Results in Word

Product: Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365)
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to use the Microsoft Editor to check a document for similarity or plagiarism against online sources.
Observed behavior: The Similarity Checker service is inaccessible, returns incorrect matches, or stops working, often due to a backend Microsoft service interruption or account restriction.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and are signed into Microsoft 365 with a premium subscription account, as the Similarity Checker relies on cloud connectivity to function.

Solution 1Recommended

Update Microsoft 365 and Verify Account Settings

Updating your software and refreshing your account login can resolve temporary glitches preventing the Similarity Checker from loading properly.

Often, cloud-based features like the Microsoft Editor and Similarity Checker stop responding due to outdated software versions or authentication errors.

Check for Word Updates

Open Microsoft Word, click on 'File' > 'Account'. Under 'Product Information', click 'Update Options' and select 'Update Now'.

Sign Out and Sign Back In

In the same 'Account' menu, click 'Sign Out' under your user profile. Restart Word, then sign back in with the Microsoft account tied to your Microsoft 365 subscription.

Test with a New Document

Create a new blank document, paste some sample text, and launch the Editor pane to see if the Similarity feature functions normally in a fresh file.

Update Microsoft 365 and Verify Account Settings

Subscription Requirement: The Similarity Checker is a premium Microsoft 365 feature. It will not be available if you are using a perpetual license like Office 2019 or Office 2021.

Solution 2

Check Service Health and Submit Feedback

If the issue persists across multiple documents, it may be a known backend service outage on Microsoft's end.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Similarity Checker greyed out or missing in Word?

This usually occurs if you are not signed in with an active Microsoft 365 Premium subscription, if your document is saved in an older format like .doc instead of .docx, or if your internet connection is unstable.

Does the Word Similarity Checker require an active internet connection?

Yes. The Similarity Checker sends your text to Microsoft's cloud servers to compare it against billions of web pages. It cannot function offline.

How do I turn on the Similarity Checker in Microsoft Word?

Open the 'Home' tab and click on the 'Editor' icon to open the Editor pane. Scroll down to the bottom of the pane to locate the 'Similarity' section, then click 'Check for similarity to online sources'.

Can the content of my document cause the Similarity Checker to fail?

Yes, if your document is exceptionally long, contains highly complex formatting, or has corrupted elements, the Editor service may time out or fail to scan it properly. Try splitting the document into smaller parts to test it.

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