Microsoft Word's text predictions feature suggests the next few words as gray text while you type, and you press Tab to accept them. Some people find it a time-saver, while others find it distracting or accidentally accept suggestions. This guide shows how to turn predictive text off (or back on) in Word for Windows, Mac, and the web, and how it differs from similar features like AutoCorrect and Editor.
Quick Answer
In Word for Windows, go to File > Options > Advanced, and under Editing options, uncheck Show text predictions while typing. Click OK. You can also click Text Predictions: On in the status bar at the bottom of the window and uncheck the option.
Turn Off Text Predictions in Word for Windows
Method 1: Word Options
- Click File, then Options (it may be under More).
- Click Advanced.
- Under Editing options, uncheck Show text predictions while typing.
- Click OK.
Method 2: Status Bar
- Look at the status bar at the bottom of the Word window for Text Predictions: On.
- Click it and uncheck Show text predictions while typing in the dialog that opens.
If you do not see it, right-click the status bar and check Text Predictions to display it.
Turn Off Text Predictions in Word for Mac
- Click Word > Preferences (or Settings).
- Click AutoCorrect or Edit, depending on your version.
- Uncheck Show text predictions while typing.
Turn Off Text Predictions in Word for the Web
- Open your document in Word for the web.
- Click Text Predictions: On in the status bar at the bottom, or go to Review > Editor > Settings.
- Turn off Text predictions.
Text Predictions vs. Similar Features
| Feature | What it does | Where to turn it off |
|---|---|---|
| Text predictions | Suggests upcoming words in gray | File > Options > Advanced |
| AutoCorrect | Automatically fixes typos and replaces text | File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options |
| AutoComplete | Suggests dates, months, and AutoText entries | File > Options > Advanced > Show AutoComplete suggestions (older versions) |
| Editor suggestions | Underlines spelling, grammar, and style issues | File > Options > Proofing |
| Windows text suggestions | System-wide suggestions from Windows | Settings > Time & language > Typing |
Using Text Predictions (If You Keep Them On)
- Press Tab or the Right arrow key to accept a suggestion.
- Keep typing to ignore it, or press Esc to dismiss it.
- Predictions are available in certain languages, such as English, and may depend on your Microsoft 365 subscription and settings.
Troubleshooting
I do not see the Text Predictions option
Your version of Word may not include it. Text predictions are available in Microsoft 365 versions of Word; update Office through File > Account > Update Options.
Suggestions still appear after turning it off
They may be coming from Windows. Go to Settings > Time & language > Typing and turn off Show text suggestions when typing on the physical keyboard.
The setting turns back on
If you use Word on several devices, check the setting on each one. Organization policies can also control it on work accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does turning off text predictions affect spell check?
No. Spelling and grammar checks are separate and remain on.
Does Word send my typing to Microsoft for predictions?
Text predictions may use connected services. Review your privacy options in File > Account > Account Privacy for details and controls.
Can I turn it off only for one document?
No. The setting applies to Word as a whole on that device.
Summary
- Go to File > Options > Advanced.
- Uncheck Show text predictions while typing.
- Or click Text Predictions in the status bar.
- Turn off Windows text suggestions if gray suggestions still appear.
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.