Why MS Word Spell Check Is Not Working and How to Fix It ?

Microsoft Word spell check is a very useful feature that helps users avoid spelling and grammar mistakes while typing. Sometimes, however, the spell check stops working, which can be frustrating for students, office staff, bloggers, and professionals.

Below are two simple solutions to fix the issue quickly.

Solution 1: Enable “Check Spelling as You Type”

Many times, spell check stops working because the option is accidentally turned off.

Steps:

1. Open Microsoft Word.
2. Click on File → Options.
3. Select Proofing.
4. Make sure the following options are checked:
   • Check spelling as you type
   • Mark grammar errors as you type
5. Click OK.

After enabling these settings, Word should start showing spelling mistakes again with red underline marks.

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Solution 2: Set the Correct Proofing Language

If the document language is incorrect, Word may ignore spelling errors.

Steps:

1. Press Ctrl + A to select all text.
2. Go to the Review tab.
3. Click Language → Set Proofing Language.
4. Choose the correct language such as English (United States).
5. Uncheck Do not check spelling or grammar.
6. Click OK.

This usually fixes the problem immediately.

Solution 3: Check Exception setting

Many Times your document setting may have exempted the spell check. To fix that check it in setting , First go to File > Options > Proofing and check the box for “Check spelling as you type”.

Steps:

1. Press Ctrl + A to select all text.
2. Go to the Review tab.
3. Click Language → Set Proofing Language.
4. Scroll down to bottom of screen. (refer attached photo)
5. Uncheck Hide Spelling error.
6. Click OK.

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Conclusion

MS Word spell check problems are common but easy to solve. By enabling spell checking options and selecting the correct proofing language, most users can fix the issue within minutes.