Blog

Microsoft Word is a powerful tool used daily for writing and editing documents. However, sometimes the spell check feature may stop working unexpectedly on Windows 11. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on Word to catch spelling errors.

Fortunately, there are several simple ways to fix this issue. Most of these solutions involve checking settings or making minor adjustments. You don’t need to be an expert to follow along.

In this article, we will guide you step-by-step through the easiest methods to get spell check working again. Each step is explained clearly to help even beginners.

By the end, you should be able to troubleshoot and fix Microsoft Word’s spell check problem efficiently.

Quick Note Before You Start

• Make sure your Microsoft Word is updated to the latest version. Updates often fix bugs related to spell checking.
• Check that your document language is set correctly. Spell check depends on the language setting.
• Ensure you have installed language proofing tools if you are using a language other than English.
• Restart your computer before trying the steps below. Sometimes a simple reboot solves temporary glitches.

Step 1: Check If Spell Check Is Enabled in Word

Sometimes, the spell check feature might be turned off in your Word settings. Here’s how to check and enable it:

1. Open Microsoft Word and go to the File menu at the top left corner.
2. Select Options from the left sidebar. This opens the Word Options window.
3. Click on Proofing in the options list.
4. Look for the section titled “When correcting spelling and grammar in Word.”
5. Make sure the boxes for “Check spelling as you type” and “Mark grammar errors as you type” are checked.
6. Click OK to save the changes and close the window.

Enabling these options ensures Word actively checks your spelling while you type. If these are unchecked, Word will not underline misspelled words.

Step 2: Confirm the Document Language Is Set Correctly

Spell check works based on the language set for the text. If the wrong language is selected, Word might skip spell checking.

1. Select the text in your document that you want to check, or press Ctrl + A to select all content.
2. Go to the Review tab on the Word ribbon.
3. Click on Language and then select Set Proofing Language.
4. In the popup window, choose the correct language for your document (e.g., English (United States)).
5. Uncheck the box that says “Do not check spelling or grammar.”
6. Click OK to apply the changes.

This step is critical because if the “Do not check spelling or grammar” option is enabled, Word will ignore the text and won’t underline errors.

Step 3: Run Microsoft Office Repair Tool

If the problem persists, repairing your Office installation can fix corrupted files affecting spell check.

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
2. Click on Apps and then Installed apps (or Apps & Features).
3. Find Microsoft Office in the list and click the three dots next to it.
4. Select Modify.
5. Choose Quick Repair first and click Repair. Follow the prompts.
6. If that doesn’t work, repeat and select Online Repair for a more thorough fix.

Repairing Office can replace missing or damaged files that might interfere with spell checking.

Step 4: Disable Add-ins That May Interfere

Some third-party add-ins can cause conflicts with Word’s spell check. Disabling them temporarily can help identify if they are the cause.

1. Open Word and go to File > Options > Add-ins.
2. At the bottom, next to Manage, select COM Add-ins and click Go.
3. Uncheck all add-ins listed to disable them.
4. Click OK and restart Word.
5. Check if spell check works now. If yes, enable add-ins one by one to find the problematic one.

This process helps isolate add-ins that might be stopping Word from checking spelling.

Step 5: Check Windows 11 Language Settings

Windows language settings can affect Microsoft Word’s proofing tools. Make sure your preferred language is installed and set as default.

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Go to Time & Language > Language & Region.
3. Under Preferred languages, ensure your language (e.g., English United States) is listed.
4. If it’s missing, click Add a language and install it.
5. Select your language and click Options to ensure all language features, including proofing tools, are installed.

Having the correct language pack installed on Windows helps Microsoft Office use proper spell checking.

Alternative Method: Use Keyboard Shortcut to Check Spelling

If automatic spell check is not working, you can manually run the spell checker:

1. Press F7 on your keyboard while in a Word document.
2. The Spelling and Grammar pane will open, showing spelling errors one by one.
3. Review and choose to ignore or correct the errors.

This method forces Word to perform a manual spell check and can be a useful temporary workaround.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Word not underlining spelling mistakes?

This usually happens if the spell check options are turned off or the document language is set incorrectly. Follow Step 1 and Step 2 to fix this.

Does spell check work offline in Word?

Yes, Microsoft Word’s spell check works without an internet connection as it uses built-in proofing tools.

Can I enable spell check for multiple languages?

Yes, you can set different languages for different parts of your document via the language settings in the Review tab.

How do I update Microsoft Office on Windows 11?

Open any Office app, go to File > Account, and click Update Options > Update Now to download the latest updates.

What if spell check works in other apps but not Word?

This indicates the issue is with Word’s settings or installation. Try repairing Office or resetting Word options.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and Word still won’t spell check, here are some final options:

• Reset Word to Default Settings: You can reset Word settings by deleting the registry key for Word. This should be done carefully or with professional help.
• Reinstall Microsoft Office: Uninstall Office completely and reinstall it to ensure a fresh start.
• Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support website for personalized help and troubleshooting guides: support.microsoft.com/office.

Conclusion

Spell check is an essential feature in Microsoft Word for creating error-free documents. When it stops working on Windows 11, the problem is often related to settings, language preferences, or Office installation issues.

By carefully following the simple steps in this guide—from enabling spell check to repairing Office—you can quickly restore this functionality. Remember to check language settings both in Word and Windows, and consider add-ins or updates as possible causes.

If all else fails, don’t hesitate to use Microsoft’s support resources or reinstall Office. With these solutions, you will be back to writing with confidence in no time.