The spell checker is not working

Elizabeth Machny 0 Reputation points
2026-09-20T23:08:02.0233333+00:00

I am trying to edit a document and the spell checker is not working

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | Other | Other
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  1. John Jefferson Doyon 88,720 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-20T23:42:22.6833333+00:00

    Hi, @Elizabeth Machny

    To help narrow down the issue:

    1. Are you using Word on Windows, Mac, Word for the web, or a mobile device?
    2. Is spell check not working in every document, or only this one?
    3. When you type an intentionally misspelled word, does Word underline it at all?

    In the meantime, if you haven’t tried it yet, select the text, then go to "Review" > "Language" > "Set Proofing Language".

    Make sure the correct language is selected and "Do not check spelling or grammar" is not checked.

    Click "Add comment" to let me know.

    Thanks!

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-20T23:08:12.93+00:00

    Try these Word checks in order:

    1. Select all text with Ctrl+A.
    2. Go to Review > Language > Set Proofing Language.
    3. Make sure Do not check spelling or grammar is cleared.
    4. Select the correct proofing language for the document.
    5. If Detect language automatically is causing problems, clear it.

    Then verify Word proofing is enabled:

    1. Go to File > Options > Proofing.
    2. Confirm Check spelling as you type is enabled.
    3. Confirm Mark grammar errors as you type is enabled.

    If misspelled words still are not marked:

    1. In Review > Language > Set Proofing Language, make sure the correct dictionary language is selected.
    2. If the needed language is not listed, enable it in Office or install the required language pack.
    3. Check that the word was not accidentally added to the custom dictionary.

    To run a manual check:

    1. Go to the Review tab.
    2. Click Spelling & Grammar.

    If Word still skips errors, reset ignored proofing items for the current document:

    1. Open the document.
    2. On the Tools menu, point to Spelling and Grammar.
    3. Click Reset Ignored Words and Grammar.
    4. Click Yes.
    5. Run Review > Spelling & Grammar again.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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