spell check doesn't work

Question

Word on W11. Spell check doesn't work. Doesn't find misspellings.

Answer 1

See http://wordfaqs.ssbarnhill.com/MasterSpellCheck.htm .

Answer 2

Try these checks in order in Word on Windows 11:

1. Make sure automatic spell check is on
   1. Select File > Options.
   2. Select Proofing.
   3. Under When correcting spelling and grammar in Word, ensure Check spelling as you type is selected.
   4. In the Exceptions for section, clear all check boxes so the document is not excluded from proofing.
   5. Select OK.
2. Confirm the text is not marked “Do not check spelling or grammar”
   1. Press Ctrl+A to select all text in the document.
   2. Go to the Review tab > Language > Set Proofing Language.
   3. Choose the correct language for the document.
   4. Make sure Do not check spelling or grammar is cleared.
   5. Select OK.
3. Make sure the correct proofing language is enabled
   1. On the Review tab, in the Language group, select Language > Set Proofing Language.
   2. Select the correct language (for example, English (United States) instead of English (United Kingdom) if appropriate).
   3. If the language is not listed above the double line, follow the guidance in add an editing or authoring language or set language preferences in Office to enable it.
4. Run a manual spelling and grammar check
   1. Go to the Review tab.
   2. Select Spelling & Grammar.
   3. If Word finds errors, use Change, Ignore, or Add as needed until the check completes.

If misspellings are still not found after these steps, verify that the language you need has proofing tools available or a language pack installed as described under Language Accessory Pack for Office in the referenced article.

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References:

• Spell Check does not work in Word 2010
• Troubleshoot checking spelling and grammar in multiple languages
• Check spelling and grammar in Office
• Check grammar, spelling, and more in Word
• Spell Check not working. - Microsoft Q&A
• Word spell check is not working - Microsoft Q&A
• Spell check isn't working (Word for Mac) - Microsoft Q&A