How to Fix “AutoCorrect and AutoFormat Features” Not Working in Word?
AutoCorrect fixes common typing errors, replaces shortcuts with full text, and corrects capitalization issues. AutoFormat as You Type automatically applies formatting like numbered lists, smart quotes, and hyperlinks.
When these features stop working, Word is often still functioning correctly but has certain options turned off or misconfigured.
If you are wondering why the AutoCorrect and AutoFormat features are not working in Word, this guide will teach you exactly how to identify the cause and fix the problem step by step.
Let’s do it!
How to Fix “AutoCorrect and AutoFormat Features” Not Working in Word?
If AutoCorrect and AutoFormat features are not working in Word, the issue is usually related to disabled settings, incorrect proofing options, language mismatches, or corrupted Word preferences. You can fix it by enabling AutoCorrect options, checking proofing settings, repairing Microsoft Office, and resetting Word preferences.
The steps below will guide you from the most basic checks to more advanced fixes.
Step 1: Check AutoCorrect Settings in Word
The first thing you should do is confirm that AutoCorrect is actually enabled.
Open Microsoft Word and click on the File menu. Go to Options and then select Proofing. In the Proofing section, click on AutoCorrect Options.
A new window will appear. Make sure that important options such as Replace text as you type, Correct TWo INitial CApitals, and Capitalize first letter of sentences are checked. If these options are unchecked, AutoCorrect will not work properly.
After enabling the required options, click OK and restart Word. Test AutoCorrect by typing a common misspelling to see if it is fixed automatically.
Step 2: Enable AutoFormat as You Type
Sometimes AutoCorrect works, but AutoFormat as You Type does not. This is a separate setting that must be enabled manually.
Go to File, then Options, and select Proofing again. Click on AutoCorrect Options and switch to the AutoFormat As You Type tab.
Here, ensure that options like Automatic bulleted lists, Automatic numbered lists, Internet and network paths with hyperlinks, and Straight quotes with smart quotes are checked.
Click OK to save the changes. Close Word completely and reopen it to apply the settings properly.
Step 3: Check Proofing Language Settings
Incorrect language settings can stop AutoCorrect features from working as expected.
Select all text in your document by pressing Ctrl and A. Then go to the Review tab and click on Language, followed by Set Proofing Language.
Make sure the correct language is selected and that the option Do not check spelling or grammar is unchecked. If this option is enabled, Word will ignore spelling rules and AutoCorrect suggestions.
After applying the correct language, test AutoCorrect again.
Step 4: Disable Add-ins That May Interfere
Third-party add-ins can sometimes interfere with Word’s AutoCorrect and AutoFormat features.
Open Word and go to File, then Options, and select Add-ins. At the bottom of the window, choose COM Add-ins and click Go.
Disable all add-ins temporarily and restart Word. Check if AutoCorrect starts working. If it does, enable add-ins one by one to identify the problematic one.
Once identified, you can either update or permanently disable that add-in.
Step 5: Check Word Document Format
Some document formats do not fully support AutoCorrect and AutoFormat features.
If you are working in Compatibility Mode, certain features may be limited. Check the title bar of Word. If you see Compatibility Mode, save the document in the latest Word format.
Click File, then Save As, and choose the DOCX format. Open the new file and test AutoCorrect again.
Step 6: Reset Word AutoCorrect Entries
Corrupted AutoCorrect entries can also cause these features to stop working.
Open AutoCorrect Options again from File, Options, and Proofing. Review the list of replacement entries. Remove any unusual or broken entries that might be causing conflicts.
If the issue persists, you may need to reset Word preferences by renaming the Normal template file. Close Word completely, locate the Normal.dotm file on your system, rename it, and then reopen Word. This will create a fresh template with default settings.
Step 7: Repair Microsoft Office
If none of the settings fixes work, the problem might be with the Office installation itself.
Go to Control Panel and open Programs and Features. Find Microsoft Office in the list and click Change. Choose the Repair option and start with Quick Repair.
After the repair process is complete, restart your computer and open Word again. In many cases, this resolves persistent AutoCorrect not working in Word issues.
Step 8: Update Microsoft Word
An outdated version of Word can also cause features to malfunction.
Open Word, go to File, and select Account. Click on Update Options and choose Update Now. Installing the latest updates ensures that known bugs related to AutoFormat and AutoCorrect are fixed.
After updating, restart Word and test the features again.
Faqs
Why is AutoCorrect not working only in one document?
This usually happens due to document-specific settings, incorrect language selection, or Compatibility Mode. Saving the document in DOCX format and checking proofing language often fixes the issue.
Can AutoCorrect be disabled accidentally?
Yes, AutoCorrect can be turned off accidentally from Word Options. Checking AutoCorrect settings is always the first step when troubleshooting.
Does AutoCorrect work in all Word versions?
Most modern versions of Word support AutoCorrect, but older versions may have limited features. Keeping Word updated ensures full functionality.
Why does AutoFormat not apply lists or smart quotes?
This happens when the AutoFormat as You Type options are disabled. Enabling them from AutoCorrect Options usually resolves the problem.
Can third-party software affect AutoCorrect?
Yes, grammar tools, typing assistants, and other add-ins can interfere with Word’s built-in features. Disabling add-ins helps identify the issue.