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How to Fix Outlook Spell Check Not Working with Signature on Windows 11

Outlook spell check is a vital tool that helps you maintain professionalism by catching typos and errors. However, it can sometimes stop working, especially when you use email signatures. This issue can be frustrating but is often fixable with simple steps.

In this article, we will guide you through easy and detailed methods to fix Outlook spell check not working with signatures on Windows 11. Each step is explained clearly, even for beginners.

By following these steps, you can ensure your emails are always polished and error-free, including the signature part. Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into solutions.

Read carefully and try the solutions in order, as they progress from simple to more advanced fixes.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

  • Ensure Spell Check is Enabled: Outlook automatically checks spelling by default, but it’s good to double-check the settings.
  • Check Your Outlook Version: Make sure you are using an updated version of Outlook. Older versions might have bugs that interfere with spell check.
  • Restart Outlook: Sometimes, simply restarting the app can resolve temporary glitches.
  • Confirm Signature Format: Signatures that use images, special fonts, or HTML code can sometimes interfere with spell check.

Step 1: Verify Outlook Spell Check Settings

First, let’s confirm that spell check is turned on in Outlook.

  1. Open Outlook on your Windows 11 computer.
  2. Click on File in the top left corner.
  3. Select Options from the menu that appears.
  4. In the Outlook Options window, click Mail in the sidebar.
  5. Scroll down to the Compose messages section.
  6. Make sure the checkbox for “Always check spelling before sending” is checked.
  7. Additionally, click on the Spelling and Autocorrect… button.
  8. In the Editor Options window, choose Proofing.
  9. Confirm that “Check spelling as you type” is enabled.
  10. Click OK to save and close all dialogs.

Why this is important: If spell check is not enabled, Outlook will not highlight errors in your messages or signatures. Turning it on ensures Outlook actively checks your text.

Step 2: Check the Signature Format

Signatures in Outlook can be plain text, HTML, or include images. Sometimes, Outlook skips spell checking in signatures that have complex formatting.

  1. Go to File > Options > Mail.
  2. Click on the Signatures… button.
  3. Select your signature from the list.
  4. If your signature uses images or special fonts, try switching it to simple text by deleting complex elements.
  5. Save the signature and try composing a new email to check spell check functionality.

Why this is important: Complex signatures may not be fully checked by Outlook’s spell checker. Simplifying the signature can help spell check work correctly.

Step 3: Use Plain Text or Simplified HTML Signature

If your signature is in HTML format and spell check is not working, try changing it to plain text or a simpler HTML version.

  1. Open the Signatures… editor as described above.
  2. Create a new signature or edit the existing one.
  3. Remove images, special fonts, or embedded HTML code.
  4. Use only simple text and basic formatting (bold, italic, underline).
  5. Save the changes.
  6. Compose a new email and test spell check.

Why this helps: Plain text or simple HTML signatures are easier for Outlook’s spell checker to process, improving accuracy.

Step 4: Repair Office Installation

If spell check still doesn’t work, the Office installation might be corrupted. Repairing it can fix internal issues.

  1. Press Windows + S and type Apps & features. Open the Apps & Features settings.
  2. Scroll down and find Microsoft Office (or Microsoft 365).
  3. Click on it and select Modify.
  4. Choose Quick Repair first and follow the prompts.
  5. If the issue persists, repeat and select Online Repair, which is more thorough but requires internet.

Why this is important: Repairing Office replaces corrupted files that may affect spell check.

Step 5: Disable Third-Party Add-ins

Add-ins can sometimes interfere with Outlook features including spell check.

  1. Open Outlook.
  2. Click File > Options > Add-ins.
  3. At the bottom, next to Manage COM Add-ins, click Go…
  4. Uncheck all add-ins to disable them temporarily.
  5. Restart Outlook and test spell check.
  6. If spell check works, re-enable add-ins one by one to find the culprit.

Why this helps: Conflicting add-ins can disrupt Outlook’s normal operation, including spell checking.

Alternative Method: Use Word as Email Editor

Outlook uses Word’s engine to compose emails. Sometimes enabling or disabling this integration can fix spell check issues.

  1. Go to File > Options > Mail.
  2. Scroll down to the Compose messages section.
  3. Check or uncheck “Use Microsoft Word to edit email messages”.
  4. Click OK and restart Outlook.

Note: Switching this setting can fix spell check problems but may change your composing experience.

FAQs

Why does spell check work in the email body but not in my signature?

Outlook sometimes excludes complex or HTML-based signatures from spell checking. Simplifying the signature format often resolves this.

Is there a way to spell check the signature separately?

There is no direct spell check for signatures, but you can copy the signature text into a new email or Word document and run spell check manually.

Can Windows 11 settings affect Outlook spell check?

Not directly, but system-wide language, keyboard, and input settings should match your Outlook language settings for best results.

Why does Outlook not underline errors in my signature?

Outlook’s spell checker may ignore certain elements like images or non-text components in signatures, leading to no underlines.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and spell check still does not work with your signature, consider these final options:

  • Create a New Outlook Profile: Your profile might be corrupted. Setting up a new profile can fix many issues.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Outlook Support for professional help.
  • Reinstall Office: As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall Microsoft Office to restore default settings.

Conclusion

Outlook spell check not working with signatures on Windows 11 can be caused by settings, signature format, add-ins, or software issues. By verifying spell check settings, simplifying your signature, repairing Office, and disabling add-ins, you can resolve most problems.

Remember to always keep your software updated and check the signature format if spell check is not working. If all else fails, creating a new profile or contacting Microsoft support are reliable next steps.

With these detailed, simple steps, you can restore Outlook’s spell check functionality and ensure your emails, including signatures, are error-free and professional.

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