Grammarly works in Outlook through a browser extension or the Outlook web app

You can use Grammarly while writing emails in Outlook, but the method depends on which version you use. If you access Outlook through a web browser (Outlook.com or Outlook on the web), you install the Grammarly browser extension and it works automatically in your email compose window. If you use the Outlook desktop app on Windows or Mac, Grammarly does not integrate directly into the application — you would need to use Outlook on the web instead, or copy and paste your draft into Grammarly's editor before sending.

The browser extension is the most straightforward route because it requires only a few clicks and works without extra steps. The desktop app limitation exists because Outlook's desktop version does not allow third-party extensions the way browsers do.

Key Takeaways

  • The Grammarly browser extension works in Outlook.com and Outlook on the web, but not in the Outlook desktop application.
  • You need to install the extension from your browser's store (Chrome Web Store, Microsoft Edge Add-ons, or Firefox Add-ons) before it will appear in Outlook.
  • After installation, Grammarly activates automatically in your email compose window with no additional setup required.
  • If you use the Outlook desktop app, you can still use Grammarly by switching to Outlook on the web or by pasting drafts into Grammarly's standalone editor.

Installing Grammarly in your browser

Start by opening your web browser and going to the extension store for your browser type. If you use Google Chrome, go to the Chrome Web Store. If you use Microsoft Edge, go to Microsoft Edge Add-ons. If you use Firefox, go to Firefox Add-ons. Search for "Grammarly" in the store's search box.

Click the Grammarly result (it will show the Grammarly logo and say "Grammarly: AI Writing Assistant"). On the extension page, click the button to add it to your browser — this will say "Add to Chrome," "Add to Edge," or "Add to Firefox" depending on which browser you use. A popup will appear asking you to confirm. Click the confirmation button, and the extension will install in a few seconds.

After installation, you may see a Grammarly welcome screen. You can close this or follow the prompts to sign in or create a free account. If you already have a Grammarly account, sign in with your email and password. If you do not have one, you can create one for free during this step.

Accessing Grammarly in Outlook on the web

Go to Outlook.com or your organization's Outlook on the web portal and sign in. Open an existing email or click "New message" to start composing. The Grammarly icon will appear in your compose window — it looks like a capital "G" in a circle. You do not need to click anything; Grammarly checks your writing automatically as you type.

As you write, Grammarly underlines potential issues in your email. Red underlines indicate spelling or grammar errors. Blue underlines indicate style or clarity suggestions. Click any underline to see Grammarly's suggestion and accept or reject it. The Grammarly icon in the compose window shows a number if there are issues to review, or a checkmark if your email is clear.

Using Grammarly if you have the Outlook desktop app

The Outlook desktop application (the version you download and install on your computer) does not support browser extensions, so Grammarly cannot integrate directly into it. If you primarily use the desktop app, you have two options: switch to Outlook on the web for email composition, or use Grammarly's standalone editor.

To use Outlook on the web instead, simply open your browser and go to Outlook.com or your organization's web portal. You can access all your emails, folders, and contacts the same way you do in the desktop app, and Grammarly will work in the compose window. To use the standalone editor, open Grammarly.com in your browser, click "New," and write or paste your email draft there. Once Grammarly has reviewed it, copy the corrected text and paste it into your Outlook desktop app to send.

Troubleshooting Grammarly in Outlook

If Grammarly is not showing up in your Outlook compose window, first check that the extension is actually installed. Look at your browser's extension icon (usually in the top right corner) and see if Grammarly appears in the list. If it is not there, go back to your browser's extension store and install it again.

If Grammarly is installed but not working in Outlook, try refreshing the page or signing out and back into Outlook. Sometimes the extension needs the page to reload to activate. If you are using an older browser version, update your browser to the latest version — older versions sometimes have compatibility issues with extensions.

If Grammarly is working but seems slow or is missing suggestions, check that you are signed into your Grammarly account. Open the Grammarly icon and confirm you see your account name. If you are signed out, click "Sign in" and enter your credentials. You can also disable and re-enable the extension by clicking it and toggling the switch off and on.

Free versus paid Grammarly accounts

Grammarly offers a free version that checks spelling, grammar, and basic clarity issues. This works in Outlook on the web and catches most common mistakes. The paid version (Grammarly Premium) adds advanced features like tone detection, plagiarism checking, and more detailed style suggestions. Both versions work the same way in Outlook — the difference is in how many types of issues Grammarly flags and the depth of its suggestions.

You do not need to pay to use Grammarly in Outlook. The free version is fully functional for email writing. If you find you want more detailed feedback, you can upgrade to Premium at any time through your Grammarly account settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Grammarly work in the Outlook mobile app?

Grammarly does not integrate into the Outlook mobile app on iPhone or Android. If you need Grammarly on mobile, you can use the Grammarly mobile app separately to write or edit your email, then copy it into Outlook to send. Alternatively, you can access Outlook on the web through your phone's browser, where the Grammarly extension will work if you are using Firefox or Chrome on Android.

Will Grammarly see my private emails?

Grammarly processes the text you write in real time to provide suggestions, but it does not store your emails or share them with third parties. Your emails remain between you and Outlook. You can review Grammarly's privacy policy on their website if you want details about what data they collect and how they use it.

Can I turn off Grammarly for specific emails?

Yes. Click the Grammarly icon in your compose window and toggle it off. Grammarly will stop checking that email. You can turn it back on by clicking the icon again. This is useful if you are writing something informal or in a language Grammarly does not support well.

What if my organization blocks browser extensions?

Some workplaces restrict which extensions employees can install for security reasons. If you cannot install Grammarly through your browser's extension store, contact your IT department to ask whether Grammarly can be added to your approved list. If your organization will not allow it, you can still use Grammarly's standalone editor and copy your corrected text into Outlook.