Office Settings & Configuration

Stop Word AutoCorrect from Appearing as Tracked Changes

Nimra Malik Oct 14, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to prevent automatic text replacements from being logged as document revisions in Microsoft Word.

Stop Word AutoCorrect Changes from Appearing as Tracked Changes

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Typing text that triggers an automatic substitution, such as converting two hyphens into an em dash, while editing a document.
Observed behavior: Word records the automatic text replacements as tracked changes, even when the Track Changes feature appears to be disabled or the application is running in safe mode.

Before you start

Ensure that Track Changes is completely turned off in your document via the Review tab, and accept or reject any pending formatting changes before modifying your AutoCorrect settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Use AutoFormat As You Type for Em Dashes

Use this solution to let Word automatically format hyphens into dashes without relying on custom AutoCorrect entries, which often trigger unwanted tracked changes.

Microsoft Word has a built-in AutoFormat feature that handles dashes much more cleanly than a custom AutoCorrect entry. By removing the custom AutoCorrect rule and enabling AutoFormat, the hyphen-to-dash conversion will no longer register as a tracked change.

Open Word Options

Click on 'File' in the top-left corner, select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu, and then click on 'Proofing'.

Access AutoCorrect Settings

Click the 'AutoCorrect Options...' button to open the settings dialog.

Remove the Custom Entry

In the 'AutoCorrect' tab, scroll through the list to find the entry that replaces two hyphens (--) with an em dash. Select it and click 'Delete'.

Enable AutoFormat for Dashes

Switch to the 'AutoFormat As You Type' tab and check the box for 'Hyphens (-) with dash (--)'. Click 'OK' to save your changes.

Use AutoFormat As You Type for Em Dashes

Resolved Tracking Issues: Word will now automatically convert hyphens into dashes natively without logging the action as a document revision.

Solution 2

Disable 'Replace Text as You Type'

Use this method if you want to completely stop all automatic text replacements and prevent any possibility of them appearing as tracked changes.

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1. Download the Software: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Word track changes when the feature appears to be turned off?

Word may still show tracked changes if previous revisions in the document were not accepted or rejected. Additionally, custom AutoCorrect macros or corrupt document metadata can occasionally force new automatic text entries to be logged as revisions.

What is the difference between AutoCorrect and AutoFormat As You Type?

AutoCorrect is designed to replace specific predefined text strings (like common misspellings or shorthand codes), while AutoFormat As You Type applies broader formatting rules automatically as you type, such as changing straight quotes to smart quotes or hyphens to dashes.

How do I turn off all AutoCorrect features in Word?

Go to File > Options > Proofing, click on 'AutoCorrect Options', and uncheck the 'Replace text as you type' box. Note that this will instantly disable all automatic text substitutions across your documents.

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