How to configure spell checker and autocorrect features on Windows 11
Windows 11 includes some grammar features you may not be aware of, and in this guide, I’ll explain how to configure them.
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Windows 11includes various grammar features to assist you with spelling and autocorrections for typos when writing on most applications. However, in some applications likeNotepad, Outlook, and Microsoft 365, you must manually configure the available grammar tools.
If you have a computer running the latest version of Windows 11, the system can highlight misspelled words and autocorrect typos, and it can offer text suggestions without needing third-party tools. The Notepad app also integrates into the system typing features, but you must enable them manually.
Apps likeMicrosoft Edge, Outlook for Windows 11, andMicrosoft 365also offer grammar assistance features, but since they offer different capabilities, you must enable them through the app’s settings page.
In thishow-to guide, I will explain the steps to configure the grammar features available on Windows 11 and the most popular Microsoft apps.
How to enable grammar tools on Windows 11
On Windows 11, you can configure various grammar tools that will be available across applications, but in some programs, you will still need to configure the features manually.
Enable spell checker and autocorrect
To configure the spell checker, word suggestions, and other grammar tools on Windows 11, use these steps.
Once you complete the steps, the system will highlight misspelled words and autocorrect typos on any application.
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Review your typing stats
To check your typing statistics on Windows 11, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, you can review the spelling corrections, suggested and autocomplete words, and the keystrokes you saved using these features.
Manage custom dictionary
If the spelling feature highlights some text as incorrect but has the correct spelling, it could be you added some words by mistake to the custom dictionary. You can’t edit the custom dictionary, but you can clear it to start over.
To clear the custom dictionary on Windows 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, you can review and clear the custom dictionary as necessary.
How to enable grammar tools on specific system apps on Windows 11
Although the spelling features are available globally, you have to configure some applications manually to access the spelling features, such as the case of Notepad, Microsoft Edge, and the new Outlook app.
Notepad
To enable the spelling features in Notepad, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the app will be able to use the Windows 11 spell check integration to highlight misspelled words and typos.
Microsoft Edge
To enable the spelling features in Microsoft Edge, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the browser will apply the new spelling settings on your computer.
Outlook
To configure the spelling features inOutlook, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the email client will provide grammar assistance based on your configuration.
Microsoft 365 apps
To configure proofing features on Word, Excel, OneNote, and other Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 11, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the proofing settings will apply to your Microsoft 365 app.
Although you will find the proofing settings on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, each application will include different options. As a result, for a more granular configuration, you want to update the proofing settings on each app. (It’s important to note that some customizations will apply to all applications.)
On Microsoft Word, you can also use theMicrosoft Editorfeature with a Microsoft 365 subscription, but the settings are available through the online version of Word, and the settings are virtually the same as the ones available for the new Outlook app for Windows 11.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.