spell check does not identify or correct spelling errors in Outlook

Use the built-in Outlook and Office proofing settings to re-enable spell check and grammar checking.

1. Confirm automatic spell check is turned on in Outlook
   1. In Outlook, go to File > Options.
   2. Select Mail.
   3. Click Spelling and Autocorrect.
   4. In the Proofing options window, make sure Check spelling as you type is selected.
   5. If available, also select Mark grammar errors as you type and Check grammar with spelling.
   6. Select OK to save.
2. Run a manual spelling and grammar check
   1. Open the email you want to check.
   2. Press F7 to start spell check, or use the ribbon command (for screen reader users: Alt+V, Q, G).
   3. Use the Spelling and Grammar dialog to review each suggestion and choose Change, Ignore, or Add as needed.
3. Verify that errors are being marked while typing
   • Outlook and other Office apps mark potential spelling errors with a red squiggly line and potential grammar errors with a blue squiggly line.
   • If no underlines appear even for obvious mistakes, recheck that Check spelling as you type is enabled as in step 1.
4. Check language and multi-language scenarios
   • If text is in multiple languages or the wrong proofing language is applied, correctly spelled words may be flagged or misspelled words may be ignored.
   • Use the language tools (for example, Set Proofing Language in Word/Outlook) to ensure the correct language dictionary is used for the text. For multi-language issues, see the guidance in Troubleshoot checking spelling and grammar in multiple languages.
5. Turn off automatic checking only if desired
   • If the goal is to stop seeing squiggly lines, use File > Options > Mail > Spelling and Autocorrect and clear Check spelling as you type and any grammar options.

If the spelling and grammar checker still does not work as expected after these checks, review the additional troubleshooting guidance in The spelling and grammar checker isn't working as expected.

References:

• Check spelling and grammar in Office
• Use a screen reader to check spelling and grammar in Outlook
• The spelling and grammar checker isn't working as expected
• Troubleshoot checking spelling and grammar in multiple languages