Why is spell check in Windows 11 so much worse than Windows 10 is there something I can do about it?

Question

I got a new laptop with Windows 11 and the spell check in Windows 11 is so bad it's almost unusable. I have seen tons of posts about this but nobody has a resolution.

It will not even suggest of if I have spelled fo. That is just one case out of hundreds.

Yet when typing in Chrome I do have that problem. Just Windows and Edge.

This is core functionality for a computer which is an advanced word processor. I would bet Windows 98 has better spell checking then Windows 11.

Does anybody have a solution?

Answer 1

So Microsoft's instructions are dont (notice it wont correct dont to don't) use it, learn to spell, or custom make your entire dictionary......

Answer 2

I tried everything even a fresh reinstall.

There is a bug in Windows and i reported in 14 days ago and everybody I speak to at Microsfot acts liek its some kind of setting.

Close your Chrome browser and use Microsoft Edge and type in the wrod becasue but mis spell it becuase or becasue and then right click and you will see for your self that Microsft spell chekc does nto work.

It broken nd its time somebody stops tellling peopel to chnage settings and tell the develoment team.

I asked my support agent to tes his compuetr he said he couldn;t becuase he was not using Windwos 11.

That shoudl tell you somethign.

Also sorry abotu the bad sepllig I would fix it but I have to retype every singe word missplled. That would take me a long time.

Jan 5, 2024 after a fresh install of Windws 11 done with Microsfot support.

Like I said worse then Wndows 98 spell check 25 years ago.

Answer 3

The main issue seems to be with Spell Checker not recognizing normal and simple typos as noted in the original complaint, shown below (with a correction in [ ]...) for easy reference.

It will not even suggest of if I have spelled fo. That is just one case out of hundreds.

Yet when typing in Chrome I do [not] have that problem. Just Windows and Edge.

I have found that the suggested corrects are often the correct word, but a plural form, whci (whim, whir, and whit were the suggestions for the foregoing typo...) really is not helpful. I think Windows 11 spell checker has lost its mind.

The suggestions by Microsoft Community Support Specialist was not helpful.

Answer 4

It's time that we should all stop using Windows spell check.

There are great options out there I personally use Grammarly's free version and it does an awesome job

Answer 5

Hi t1000EN,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

It seems like you're facing some challenges with the spell check functionality in Windows 11. Here are some steps and solutions that might help you resolve this issue:

1. Enable or Disable Spell Check Features: Windows 11 allows you to customize spell check settings, including options to show text suggestions, autocorrect misspelled words, and highlight misspelled words. To access these settings, open Windows Settings, go to "Time & language," and then click on "Typing"​​.
2. Turning Off Autocorrect or Spell Checker: If you find the autocorrect feature more problematic than helpful, you can turn it off. This can be done by navigating to Settings > Devices > Typing in Windows 10/11. Here, you can toggle the autocorrect feature on or off. Additionally, you can completely disable the spell checker and autocorrect feature by renaming certain system files, though this is a more advanced solution and should be done cautiously​​.
3. Editing the Personal Dictionary: Windows 11 stores custom words in a personal dictionary file named default.dic. You can edit this file to add, remove, or modify words. This can be helpful if the spell checker is not recognizing certain words that you commonly use. Access this file through the AppData folder and edit it with Notepad​​.
4. Checking for Software-Specific Issues: Remember that spell check availability might depend on the specific application you're using. Not all apps and text fields in Windows 11 support spell check. This is determined by the app developer and the context in which you enter text​​.
5. Ensuring Spell Check is Enabled in Your Settings: Sometimes, the spell check feature might be turned off in your account settings. Make sure to check these settings and enable spell check if it's not already on​​.
6. Additional Resources and Tutorials: You can find more detailed tutorials and guides for managing spell check and related features in Windows 11 on various forums and technical websites. These tutorials provide step-by-step instructions for various related settings​​​​.

Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Best wishes

Manson | MSFT Microsoft Community Support Specialist