Autocorrect option to replace 2 hyphens with dash is enabled in Word web version, but is not working. How to fix it?

Question

The Word web version in Office 365 offers an Auto Correct option to replace two hyphens (--) with dash (—) and I have it enabled, but it is not working. Nothing happens when I write --.

In Word desktop app it is working correctly, but I sometimes have to use the web version instead so that I can share it in real time with my colleagues.

I know that here is a keyboard shortcut, but I don't find it convenient enough.

I will be happy for your help!

Answer 1

I can confirm that I see this as well, when I type a word, followed by a space, two hyphens and then another space. No en dash is created, leaving the two hyphens intact (word1--word2).

However, if I type two hyphens, not surrounded by spaces, I do get an em dash replacement.

Report this using the Help > Feedback facility in Word for the web.

  

EDIT: It seems this issue was fixed quickly. See the Comments below this message.

Answer 2

The issue you're experiencing with the AutoCorrect option to replace two hyphens with a dash in the Word web version might be due to a few factors. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the problem:

1. Check AutoCorrect Settings: Ensure that the AutoCorrect option is indeed enabled in the Word web version. Sometimes settings may not sync properly between the desktop and web versions.
2. Clear Browser Cache: Sometimes, browser cache can cause issues with web applications. Try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then restart the browser and check if the issue persists.
3. Try a Different Browser: If you're using a specific browser, try accessing Word online through a different browser to see if the issue is browser-specific.
4. Update Browser: Ensure that your browser is up to date, as outdated versions may not support all features of web applications.
5. Check for Add-ons/Extensions: Sometimes, browser extensions can interfere with web applications. Try disabling any extensions temporarily to see if that resolves the issue.
6. Feedback to Microsoft: If the problem continues, consider providing feedback to Microsoft through the Word web app. They may be able to address the issue in future updates.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be a limitation of the web version compared to the desktop app, and using the keyboard shortcut might be necessary until a fix is implemented.

Answer 3

Hi @Amālija Brūvere, 

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum. After reviewing your steps, I tested this behavior in my own environment and observed the same results. The AutoCorrect option to replace two hyphens with an em dash works perfectly in the Word desktop app. However, in Word Online, even with the option enabled, the behavior is inconsistent. It doesn’t always work when you press Space or type characters continuously, and occasionally it works when pressing Enter to start a new line, but not reliably.

This appears to be a limitation in how Word operates in a browser. As a forum moderator, I don’t have access to backend tools or permissions to perform deeper technical checks, nor do I have the ability to modify or escalate product-related changes directly. And posts in this forum are not visible to the product team, so to make sure your feedback reaches them, I strongly recommend submitting it through the official channel:  Word · Community  

This is the official portal where your input goes directly to the product team and can be considered for future improvements. If you’ve posted your feedback, feel free to share the link in the comments, I’ll be happy to vote for it to help bring more visibility. 

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In the meantime, if real-time collaboration is important for you, you can still use the Word desktop app while co-authoring with colleagues. Microsoft supports cross-platform co-authoring, so one person can work in Word Desktop while others use Word Online, and all changes sync instantly. For details, see:  Collaborate on Word documents with real-time co-authoring - Microsoft Support 

In Word Online, click Editing in the top menu and select Open in Desktop App. When Word Desktop opens, make sure AutoSave is turned on. This way, even if you use the desktop app and your colleagues stay in the web version, you’ll all see each other’s changes in real time. And in Word Desktop, the AutoCorrect feature you mentioned will work as expected.

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Thank you again for highlighting this point. Many other users may experience the same limitation, so this answer provides helpful information and shows the right way to share feedback, please click “Accept Answer” and kindly upvote it. Accepted answers are pinned to the top, making them easier for others to find, and collective feedback is a powerful way to drive improvements. 

We truly appreciate your patience and collaboration.

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Answer 4

I am glad that this was fixed.

I am currently working on an Article about AutoCorrect/AutoFormat options. I was unaware that this could even be controlled at all in the Online version. I am delighted to learn something new. While there are far fewer for the Online version, they are there.

To get to the controls - look under the Editor on the Review tab:

The options currently available are: