Auto Correct Works Intermittently and drops abbreviations previously working properly and then self rectifies but not alwayss

Question

I use auto correct frequently and add and delete abbreviations quite often. The function always seems to work for some time but then stops auto correcting and when I go into the Apps options, I find that the abbreviation has been removed from the list of abbreviations I had added manually. The oddity of all this is that some auto correct function normally while others don't, even if typing in letters side by side Eg the abbreviation BS for balance sheet doesn't convert but alongside, another abbreviation, does convert properly. It seems to happen but can't be sure - that it occurs when I use the auto correct across different apps like Word and OneNote. The other curiosity is that on occasions it stops auto correcting but then self-repairs and works normally again.

Answer 1

To keep track of the language at the insertion point, display the Language indicator on the Word status bar.

Right-click the status bar and click to select the Language item (see the screen shot below).

You will then be able to see if the assigned language changes as you move the insertion point through the text in the document.

   

You can also select all the text with Ctrl+A and (re-)apply the correct language if you click the Language indicator to display the Language dialog box. Be sure to select the correct language and also to turn off the "Do not check spelling or grammar" option. The screen shot below shows an example.

   

Note that if some AutoCorrect entries have been saved to the wrong language, you have to recreate them.

Answer 2

Dear @Dave Andrews,

I understand that AutoCorrect works sometimes, but not all the time. Some abbreviations stop working, and some disappear from your AutoCorrect list. This happens more when you switch between Word and OneNote. Sometimes it starts working again by itself.

This happens because AutoCorrect depends on language settings and the app you are using.

AutoCorrect entries are saved per language, such as English (US) or English (UK). If Word or OneNote changes the language automatically, your saved abbreviations may not apply. This can look like they were deleted, even though they are still saved under another language.

Also, Word and OneNote do not handle AutoCorrect the same way. Word supports AutoCorrect fully, but OneNote has limited support. Because of this, some abbreviations work in Word but not in OneNote.

This is why the behavior feels random and sometimes fixes itself.

To make AutoCorrect more stable, please try the following:

• Turn off “Detect language automatically” in Word.
• Use one language only (for example, English US).
• Create AutoCorrect entries as plain text, not formatted text.
• Add and manage AutoCorrect entries in Word, not OneNote.
• Restart Word after making changes.

Please understand that our initial response does not always resolve the issue immediately. However, with your help and more detailed information, we can work together to find a solution.

I truly appreciate your patience and understanding. If you have any further questions or need further clarification, please feel free to reach out. I'm looking forward to hearing from you. 

Thank you for your cooperation.

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Answer 3

I think the drops come from each office app keepin’ its own tiny autocorrect table, n’ sync overwritin’ ur custom bits when they drift… just add’em from one app n’ keep the sync toggle steady; if it still slips, reset once n’ re‑add from that same app.