How to Enable Spell Checker and Autocorrect in Windows 11

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Windows 11 has incorporated various grammar and spell-checking features into its ecosystem, enabling users to enhance their writing accuracy across a wide range of applications. As digital communication becomes increasingly reliant on accurate text input, understanding how to configure these tools effectively can significantly improve productivity and clarity in your writing. This article will guide you through the steps to set up spell checker and autocorrect features on Windows 11, alongside specific applications.

Overview of Spell Checker and Autocorrect Features​

Windows 11 includes integrated spelling and autocorrect functionalities that automatically highlight errors and suggest corrections, allowing users to write with confidence without external tools. Most core applications, such as Microsoft Edge, Outlook, Notepad, and Microsoft 365 applications, utilize these features differently, requiring users to enable or customize the settings manually.

Key Features:​

  1. Spell Checker: Highlights misspelled words and offers suggestions.
  2. Autocorrect: Automatically corrects common typos, enhancing the writing experience.
  3. Text Suggestions: Provides autocomplete suggestions as you type, improving efficiency.
  4. Custom Dictionary: Allows users to add and manage custom words to prevent common errors.

    How to Enable the Spell Checker and Autocorrect in Windows 11​

    To begin using the spell-checking features on your device, follow these steps:
  5. Open Settings:
    • Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
    []Navigate to Time & Language:
    • Click on Time & Language on the left sidebar.
    [
    ]Select Typing:
    • On the right side, select Typing to access the typing settings.
    []Enable Key Features:
    • Turn on:
      • Autocorrect misspelled words: Automatically corrects known typos.
      • Highlight misspelled words: Activates spell-check features.
      • Show text suggestions when typing on the physical keyboard: Provides predictive text while typing.
      • Multilingual text suggestions: Useful if you frequently type in multiple languages. Once you've configured the above options, Windows will automatically highlight misspelled words and provide autocorrections across most applications.

        Reviewing Typing Statistics​

        To gauge how effectively the spelling tools are helping, you can check your typing statistics:
    [
    ]In the Typing settings, find Typing insights. []Review the spelling corrections and typing statistics, including the number of corrections and saved keystrokes.

    Managing the Custom Dictionary​

    If you find that words are consistently flagged as incorrect—which should be correct—it may be time to manage your custom dictionary: [
    ]Access Custom Dictionary:
    • Go to Privacy & security in Settings.
    • Select Inking & typing personalization.
    • Click on Custom dictionary.
  6. Clear Custom Entries:
    • Use the option to clear your custom dictionary if necessary. Note that individual words cannot be deleted, so this action is all-or-nothing.

      Enabling Grammar Tools in Specific Applications​

      Although Windows 11 offers a robust set of grammar features by default, some applications require you to enable them individually. Below are configurations for popular applications on Windows 11.

      1. Notepad

      To activate spell-check features in Notepad:
    • Open Notepad.
    • Click the Settings (gear) icon located at the top-right corner.
    • Enable the Spell check toggle.
    • (Optional) Customize which file types to include or exclude from spell check.

      2. Microsoft Edge

      For spell-checking capabilities in Edge:
    • Open Microsoft Edge.
    • Click on the Settings and more (three dots) button at the top-right corner.
    • Select Settings > Languages.
    • Enable Enable grammar and spellcheck assistance.
    • Choose Microsoft Editor for enhanced grammar checking or select the Basic option for simple spelling correction.
    • (Optional) Enable Use text prediction for live suggestions as you type.

      3. Outlook

      Configure spelling and grammar checks in Outlook:
    • Open Outlook and start a new email.
    • Go to the Options tab in the ribbon.
    • Click the Editor button > Editor Settings.
    • Turn on Text predictions and Enable auto correct to assist while composing emails.

      4. Microsoft 365 Apps (Word, Excel, OneNote, etc.)

      To adjust proofing features in Microsoft 365 apps:
    • Open a Microsoft 365 application (e.g., Word).
    • Click on File > Options > Proofing.
    • Check options such as Check spelling as you type and Mark grammar as you type.
    • Configure the Writing Style for grammar checks according to your preferences.

      Additional Resources for Windows 11 Users​

    • Windows Central provides additional articles and guides that dive deeper into managing and optimizing your Windows experience, including how-to articles on leveraging the Windows ecosystem efficiently.
    • Stay informed on Windows updates and features to enhance your usage of built-in tools.

      Conclusion​

      Understanding how to configure spell checker and autocorrect features on Windows 11 can dramatically streamline your writing process. Whether you're using basic applications like Notepad or more sophisticated tools like Microsoft 365, following these steps ensures you take full advantage of the system's built-in grammar and spelling aids. Always keep your applications updated to benefit from the latest features and improvements in word processing efficiency. By enabling these features, your written communications will not only be more accurate but also more professional, enhancing your overall productivity on Windows 11. Source: Windows Central How to configure spell checker and autocorrect features on Windows 11
 


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