Spell check is on by default in Word, but you may need to turn it back on if you've disabled it
Microsoft Word checks your spelling as you type and marks errors with a red squiggly underline. If you don't see these underlines, spell check is either turned off or set to skip certain parts of your document. You can turn it back on in a few clicks through Word's settings, and you can also choose what Word checks and how it marks mistakes.
The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use Word on Windows, Mac, or the web version, but the option lives in the same general location in all three: the Review tab or File menu.
Key Takeaways
- Word checks spelling by default as you type, marking errors with red underlines beneath misspelled words.
- If you don't see red underlines, go to the Review tab and select "Editor" or "Spelling" to turn spell check back on.
- You can ignore a word once, add it to Word's dictionary so it stops flagging it, or change it to the suggested correction.
- Word also has an Editor tool that checks grammar, clarity, and tone in addition to spelling.
How to turn on spell check in Word on Windows
Open any document in Word and look at the ribbon menu at the top. Click the Review tab. In the Proofing group, you'll see a button labeled Editor (in newer versions) or Spelling & Grammar (in older versions). Click it.
A panel will open on the right side of your screen. If spell check is off, you may see a message saying "No issues found" or a toggle to turn the checker on. If you see a list of flagged words, spell check is already running. You can click any flagged word to see suggestions, then choose to change it, ignore it, or add it to your dictionary.
If you want spell check to run automatically as you type (the default behavior), make sure the Editor panel stays open or check the box that says "Check spelling as you type" if that option appears. In some versions, this setting lives under File > Options > Proofing > "Check spelling as you type."
How to turn on spell check in Word on Mac
Click the Review tab at the top of the screen. Look for the Editor button in the ribbon and click it. A panel will open on the right side showing any spelling or grammar issues Word has found.
If you want spell check to run automatically as you type, go to Word (in the menu bar) > Preferences > Spelling. Check the box next to "Check spelling as you type." You can also choose whether Word should check spelling in other languages or ignore words in all caps.
How to turn on spell check in Word online
Open your document in Word on the web. Click the Review tab in the ribbon. Click Editor. A panel will open on the right showing any issues Word has found.
Word online checks spelling automatically, but if you don't see the Editor panel, refresh your browser or sign out and back in. The online version has fewer customization options than the desktop version, but you can still ignore words, add them to your dictionary, or accept suggested corrections.
What to do when Word flags a word
When Word underlines a word in red, right-click on it to see a menu of options. You'll typically see a list of suggested corrections at the top. Click any suggestion to replace the misspelled word with that correction.
Below the suggestions, you'll see options to Ignore (skip this instance), Ignore All (skip every instance of this word in the document), or Add to Dictionary (tell Word this word is correct and stop flagging it in the future). Use "Add to Dictionary" for proper names, technical terms, or words Word doesn't recognize but you use regularly.
Turning off red underlines if they're distracting
If the red underlines bother you while you're writing, you can hide them without turning off spell check. On Windows, go to File > Options > Proofing and uncheck "Mark errors as you type." On Mac, go to Word > Preferences > Spelling and uncheck "Check spelling as you type."
When you're ready to check your work, open the Editor panel from the Review tab and it will scan the entire document at once. This approach lets you focus on writing without visual interruptions, then review everything together when you finish.
The difference between spell check and the Editor tool
Word's spell check catches misspelled words only. The Editor tool does more: it checks grammar, punctuation, clarity, tone, and style in addition to spelling. When you open the Editor panel, it shows all these issues together, organized by category.
If you only want to see spelling errors, you can filter the Editor results to show spelling only. In the Editor panel, look for a filter or settings option (usually a gear icon or dropdown menu) and select "Spelling" to hide grammar and style suggestions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't spell check working even though I turned it on?
Check whether the document is set to a language Word doesn't recognize. Go to Review > Language and make sure the correct language is selected. Also verify that you're not in a special mode like "Track Changes" that might affect how spell check displays. Try closing and reopening the document.
Can I add a word to the dictionary so Word stops flagging it?
Yes. Right-click the underlined word and select "Add to Dictionary." That word will no longer be flagged in any of your documents. If you change your mind, you'll need to remove it manually through Word's options, which varies by version.
Does spell check work in other languages?
Yes, but you need to tell Word which language to check. Highlight the text in that language, go to Review > Language, and select the correct language. Word will then check spelling against that language's dictionary.
What's the difference between ignoring a word and adding it to the dictionary?
Ignoring a word skips it only in that document and only that one time. Adding it to the dictionary tells Word the word is correct everywhere, in all your documents, forever. Use "Ignore" for one-off situations and "Add to Dictionary" for words you use regularly.
Can I turn spell check off completely?
Yes. On Windows, go to File > Options > Proofing and uncheck "Check spelling as you type." On Mac, go to Word > Preferences > Spelling and uncheck the same option. You can still run a manual spell check anytime by opening the Editor panel from the Review tab.