Disable new "Editor"

Question

When Word 2019 recently updated, my regular Spelling checker was replaced by a new right sidebar:

How can I disable the new "Editor" entirely and go back to the old spellcheck? I don't want to see the "Go premium" button every time I spellcheck a document. Also, the keyboard shortcuts for spellchecking a document aren't working anymore -- because of the new Editor, I assume.

Answer 1

First, do give feedback to MS. They need to hear from you and do not see what is posted here.

Here is my article with a workaround:

Classic Spell Check Dialog - Macro to use classic dialog rather than Editor

Spell Check Dialog Instead of Editor

Answer 2

Thanks Charles, but I don't what to have to use a macro simply to do something simple. Is there a way to get rid of this new Editor? Your article says it was introduced in 2016, but it just appeared on my version of Word 2019 a few days ago. I don't see a way in the Settings to turn it off. Nor do I see how to get rid of the "Go Premium" Button, which is incredibly annoying. I'm about ready to move on from Office altogether. So frustrating.
Doug

Answer 3

Sorry to say, whether you want to use a macro or not, that's the only way to get back the old spelling check and avoid the Editor. This is not something simple; you're asking to override the built-in behavior that Microsoft has decided that everyone should use. The expert users generally feel grateful that the old behavior is still available, although hidden, and installing a tiny macro is a small price to pay to access it.

Also, since you'll no longer need to see the Editor, you won't see the "Go Premium" button that's part of the Editor.

Answer 4

Thanks, Charles. The macro works! Stupid question, but how do I create a keyboard shortcut for this macro, since it's already been created (I know how to do this when creating a macro myself)?

Answer 5

Thanks Charles, but I don't what to have to use a macro simply to do something simple. Is there a way to get rid of this new Editor? Your article says it was introduced in 2016, but it just appeared on my version of Word 2019 a few days ago. I don't see a way in the Settings to turn it off. Nor do I see how to get rid of the "Go Premium" Button, which is incredibly annoying. I'm about ready to move on from Office altogether. So frustrating.
Doug

As Jay said,, a macro is your only option. However, once it is on your system, it is very transparent. I've been using this for years, now.

Thanks, Charles. The macro works! Stupid question, but how do I create a keyboard shortcut for this macro, since it's already been created (I know how to do this when creating a macro myself)?

If the name of your macro is ToolsProofing, it already has a shortcut: F7 *(*Fn+F7 on some computers). Otherwise...

Assigning Keyboard Shortcuts in Microsoft Word 2007-2021 (365)