To change Word to UK English, select all text with Ctrl + A, go to Review > Language > Set Proofing Language, choose English (United Kingdom) and click OK. To make it the default for new documents, click Set As Default in the same box. For everything in Office, also set English (United Kingdom) as the preferred authoring language in File > Options > Language.
Quick Answer
Ctrl + A > Review > Language > Set Proofing Language > English (United Kingdom) > Set As Default > Yes > OK.
Steps to Switch to UK English
- Open the document and press Ctrl + A.
- Click Review > Language > Set Proofing Language.
- Select English (United Kingdom).
- Untick Detect language automatically if Word keeps switching back.
- Click OK for this document, or Set As Default and confirm to use it for new documents.
Set the Office-Wide Language
- Choose File > Options > Language.
- Under Office authoring languages and proofing, add English (United Kingdom) if it’s missing and click Set as Preferred.
- Restart Word.
What Changes
| Setting | Effect |
|---|---|
| Proofing language | Spelling and grammar follow UK rules (colour, organise) |
| Authoring language | Default for new text across Office apps |
| Windows keyboard layout | Which keys produce which symbols (separate setting) |
| Date and currency formats | Controlled by Windows region settings |
Working in another language? See how to type in Urdu in Word.
Troubleshooting
- Some paragraphs stay US English: Styles may carry their own language. Modify the Normal style: Format > Language > English (United Kingdom).
- Pasted text uses another language: Paste with Keep Text Only (Ctrl + Shift + V), or reapply the language.
- Turning spell check off instead? See turning off the spell checker in Word.
- Other defaults: See changing the default font and changing the Windows language.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this change existing words?
No. Word flags US spellings; it doesn’t change them automatically. Use Editor to review them.
How do I do this on a Mac?
Choose Tools > Language, select English (UK) and click Default.
Why does “colour” still show as wrong?
That text is still marked as US English. Select it and set the proofing language again.
Summary
- Select all and open Set Proofing Language.
- Choose English (United Kingdom).
- Click Set As Default for new documents.
- Set UK English as preferred in File > Options > Language.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.