The fastest way to add Grammarly to Word

The quickest route is to install the Grammarly add-in directly from Microsoft Office. Open Word, go to the Insert tab at the top, click Get Add-ins, search for "Grammarly", and select Add. Word will prompt you to sign in or create a free Grammarly account, then the tool appears as a sidebar while you write.

This method works on Word for Windows, Word for Mac, and Word on the web. The add-in checks your writing as you type and flags grammar, spelling, clarity, and tone issues in real time. You can see suggestions without leaving your document.

If you already have Grammarly installed on your computer, you may not need to add it separately — the browser extension or desktop app sometimes works alongside Word automatically, depending on your setup and which version of Word you use.

Key Takeaways

  • The official Grammarly add-in installs from the Insert menu in Word and works on Windows, Mac, and web versions.
  • You need a free or paid Grammarly account to use the add-in, and you sign in the first time you open it.
  • The add-in shows suggestions in a sidebar next to your document without interrupting your writing.
  • If Grammarly is already installed on your computer, it may work with Word through your browser or as a system-wide tool without a separate add-in.

Installing the add-in on Windows

Open Microsoft Word and create a new document or open an existing one. Click the Insert tab in the ribbon at the top of the screen. On the far right, you will see a button labeled Get Add-ins — click it to open the add-ins store.

In the search box at the top of the add-ins window, type "Grammarly" and press Enter. The official Grammarly add-in will appear at the top of the results. Click the Add button next to it. Word will ask you to sign in with your Microsoft account or allow the add-in to run — follow the prompts.

After you confirm, Grammarly will ask you to log in or create a free account. Use your email address or sign in with Google or Apple if you already have a Grammarly account. Once you are signed in, the Grammarly sidebar will appear on the right side of Word and begin checking your document.

Installing the add-in on Mac

The process on Mac is nearly identical. Open Word, click the Insert tab, and look for Get Add-ins on the right side of the ribbon. Click it to open the add-ins store.

Search for "Grammarly" in the search box. Click Add next to the official Grammarly add-in. You may be asked to allow the add-in to run — click Trust It or Allow depending on the prompt. Then sign in with your Grammarly account or create a new one.

The Grammarly sidebar will appear on the right side of your document. On Mac, the sidebar sometimes appears on the left instead — you can drag it to whichever side you prefer.

Using Grammarly in Word on the web

Word on the web (Office.com) works differently than the desktop version. Instead of using the add-in, you can install the Grammarly browser extension for Chrome, Edge, or Safari. This extension works across Word on the web and other writing tools in your browser.

Go to the Grammarly website, click Download, and choose your browser. Follow the installation steps, sign in to your Grammarly account, and the extension will activate automatically when you open Word on the web. You will see Grammarly suggestions appear directly in the document as you type.

If you prefer not to install an extension, you can still use the web version of Grammarly by opening it in a separate tab and copying your text there, though this is slower than using the add-in or extension.

What to do if the add-in does not appear

If you click Get Add-ins and Grammarly does not show up in the search results, your Word version may be too old or your account may not have permission to install add-ins. Word 2016 and newer support add-ins, but some older versions do not.

Try restarting Word and searching again. If Grammarly still does not appear, check that you are signed in to your Microsoft account — add-ins require an active Microsoft login. You can also try the browser extension instead if you use Word on the web, or download the standalone Grammarly desktop app, which works alongside Word without needing an add-in.

If you are using Word through a work or school account, your organization may have disabled third-party add-ins. Contact your IT department to ask whether Grammarly add-ins are permitted on your account.

Free versus paid Grammarly accounts

The free Grammarly account checks basic grammar, spelling, and punctuation. A paid subscription (Grammarly Premium) adds checks for tone, clarity, engagement, and advanced writing style — it also includes plagiarism detection and a personal dictionary.

Both free and paid accounts work with the Word add-in. You can start with free and upgrade later if you want the extra features. Grammarly will show you which suggestions require a paid account, so you can decide whether the upgrade is worth it for your writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for Grammarly to use it in Word?

No. The free version of Grammarly works in Word and checks grammar, spelling, and basic punctuation. A paid subscription unlocks additional features like tone detection and plagiarism checking, but you do not need to pay to use Grammarly with Word.

Can I use Grammarly and Microsoft Word's built-in editor at the same time?

Yes. Word has its own editor tool (the Editor button in the Review tab), and Grammarly can run alongside it. Both will show suggestions, though Grammarly often catches different issues. You can use both or turn off Word's editor if you prefer Grammarly alone.

Will Grammarly slow down Word?

The add-in uses minimal resources and should not noticeably slow down Word on most computers. If you experience slowness, try closing the Grammarly sidebar when you are not using it, or restart Word. On older computers with limited memory, disabling the add-in may help.

Can I use Grammarly in Word offline?

The Grammarly add-in requires an internet connection to work because it sends your text to Grammarly's servers for analysis. If you work offline frequently, the standalone Grammarly desktop app may be a better choice, though it also requires internet to function.

What if I want to remove Grammarly from Word?

Go to Insert > Get Add-ins > My Add-ins, find Grammarly in the list, click the three dots next to it, and select Remove. The sidebar will disappear from Word immediately. You can reinstall it anytime using the same process.