Fix: AutoCorrect Not Working or Changing Words Wrong in Word

Fixing AutoCorrect

AutoCorrect can be incredibly helpful or incredibly frustrating, depending on its settings. Here’s how to take control.

Step-by-Step Fix

Problem: AutoCorrect Not Working At All

1. Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options
2. On the AutoCorrect tab, check:
   • Replace text as you type
   • Capitalize first letter of sentences (if desired)
   • Correct Two INitial CApitals (if desired)
3. Click OK

Problem: AutoCorrect Changes Words Incorrectly

1. Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options
2. In the replacement list, find the problematic entry
3. Type the word being changed in the Replace field
4. When it appears, select it and click Delete
5. Click OK

Problem: Add Custom AutoCorrect Entries

1. Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options
2. In the Replace field, type the abbreviation or common misspelling
3. In the With field, type the correct replacement
4. Click Add, then OK

Problem: AutoCorrect Undoing Your Formatting

Check the AutoFormat As You Type tab:

1. Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options
2. Click the AutoFormat As You Type tab
3. Uncheck options you don’t want:
   • “Straight quotes” with “smart quotes”
   • Ordinals (1st) with superscript
   • Fractions (1/2) with fraction character (½)
   • Hyphens (—) with em dash (—)
   • Automatic bulleted/numbered lists

Quick Undo

After any autocorrection, immediately press Ctrl+Z to undo just that correction without undoing your other typing.