Proofing in Word is the group of tools that check spelling and grammar and underline mistakes as you type. You might want it off for code, addresses, foreign-language text, or a document full of names and jargon, or you might need to turn it back on when it stops working. Word lets you control proofing for selected text, one document, or everything. This guide covers all three, plus how to turn it back on.
Quick Answer
For selected text: select it, go to Review > Language > Set Proofing Language, check Do not check spelling or grammar, and click OK. For all documents: go to File > Options > Proofing and uncheck Check spelling as you type and Mark grammar errors as you type.
Turn Off Proofing for Selected Text
- Select the text (press Ctrl + A for the whole document).
- Go to Review > Language > Set Proofing Language (in some versions, Review > Language > Language).
- Check Do not check spelling or grammar.
- Click OK.
This is saved with the text, so it stays off even when others open the document. For code or other text you use often, apply it to a style (Modify Style > Format > Language).
Turn Off Proofing for One Document
- Go to File > Options > Proofing.
- Under Exceptions for, make sure the current document is selected.
- Check Hide spelling errors in this document only and Hide grammar errors in this document only.
- Click OK.
Turn Off Proofing for All Documents
- Go to File > Options > Proofing.
- Under When correcting spelling and grammar in Word, uncheck Check spelling as you type and Mark grammar errors as you type.
- Optionally uncheck Check grammar and refinements in the Editor Pane.
- Click OK.
You can still check a document manually anytime with F7 or Review > Editor.
Turn Proofing Back On
- Go to File > Options > Proofing and check Check spelling as you type and Mark grammar errors as you type. Uncheck the Hide … errors in this document only boxes.
- Select all text (Ctrl + A), go to Review > Language > Set Proofing Language, and uncheck Do not check spelling or grammar. This is the step people usually miss when spell check “stops working” in one document.
- Make sure the correct language is selected, then click OK.
- Click Recheck Document in File > Options > Proofing to re-scan text you previously ignored.
Proofing Still Not Working?
- Missing proofing tools for a language: install the language’s proofing tools in File > Options > Language; Word shows “Proofing installed” next to supported languages.
- Too many errors: Word may stop showing errors in very long documents with many mistakes. Run F7 to check manually.
- Add-ins: disable third-party add-ins in File > Options > Add-ins and test again.
- Repair Office: Settings > Apps, select Microsoft 365 or Office, and choose Modify > Quick Repair.
Related: Change the spell check language in Word.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does turning off proofing affect AutoCorrect?
No. AutoCorrect (such as fixing “teh” to “the”) is separate. Turn it off in File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options.
Can I turn off only grammar checking?
Yes. Uncheck just Mark grammar errors as you type.
How do I do this on a Mac?
Go to Word > Preferences > Spelling & Grammar, or use Tools > Language for selected text.
Summary
- Selected text: Review > Language > Set Proofing Language > Do not check spelling or grammar.
- One document: Hide … errors in this document only.
- All documents: uncheck the “as you type” options in File > Options > Proofing.
- To turn it back on, reverse those settings and uncheck Do not check spelling or grammar.
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.