Microsoft Word 2019 Spell Check and Thesaurus Not Working: How to Fix
Question details
The user reports that in Microsoft Word 2019, using either spell check or thesaurus causes the other proofing feature to stop responding until Word or Windows is restarted.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 2019
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- A user is editing a Word 2019 document and wants to run spell check and thesaurus in the same session.
- Observed behavior
- After one proofing feature is used, the other becomes unresponsive; restarting Word or signing out of Windows temporarily restores both features.
Before troubleshooting, record your Microsoft Word version and build at File > Account > About Word, and close all Word documents so a restart will not lose unsaved changes.
Install the Latest Office and Windows Updates, Then Run an Online Repair
Use this first to rule out outdated or damaged Office components.
The reported behavior is a known Word 2019 defect, so updating and repairing Office gives the best chance of replacing damaged proofing components, although it may not fully resolve the bug until Microsoft releases a patch.
Open Word, click File > Account > Update Options > Update Now, and install any available updates.
Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, select Check for updates, and install pending updates.
Close all Office apps, open Settings > Apps > Apps & features, select Microsoft Office 2019, click Modify, choose Online Repair, and select Repair.
Open the document, run Spell Check from Review > Spelling & Grammar, then use Shift+F7 or Review > Thesaurus to confirm both features respond in the same session.
Clear 'Do Not Check Spelling or Grammar' in Proofing Language
Use this when the proofing language setting appears shaded or the problem is tied to a specific document.
Report the Known Microsoft Word 2019 Proofing Bug to Microsoft
Use this when updates, repair, and proofing settings do not resolve the issue.
Switch to WPS Office Writer for Reliable Spell Check and Thesaurus
WPS Office Writer is a free, lightweight Microsoft Word alternative with built-in spell check, thesaurus, a familiar ribbon interface, and high .docx compatibility, making migration from Word 2019 simple.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Go to the official WPS Office website and click Download WPS Office Free to get the Windows installer.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded installer and follow the prompts to complete installation.
- 3. Open your Word document in Writer: Launch WPS Office Writer, click Open, and select your .docx file to continue editing with spell check and thesaurus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word 2019 spell check stop working after I use the thesaurus?
Microsoft has confirmed this is a Word 2019 bug where using one proofing tool blocks the other in the same session. It is not caused by a document setting.
How do I temporarily restore spell check and thesaurus in Word 2019?
Save your work, close Word completely, reopen the document, and test one proofing feature. In some cases you may also need to sign out of Windows and sign back in.
Will an Office repair permanently fix the Word 2019 proofing bug?
An Online Repair may replace damaged Office components, but because Microsoft is investigating the bug, it may return until Microsoft releases an official update.
Where can I report the Word 2019 spell check and thesaurus bug to Microsoft?
In Word, go to File > Account to note your version and build, then open File > Feedback and describe the exact sequence that triggers the problem.
Can WPS Office Writer replace Word 2019 proofing tools?
Yes, WPS Office Writer is free, supports .docx files, and includes spell check and thesaurus features that you can use in the same editing session.
