Add Grammarly to Microsoft Word [Windows & Mac]

Writing a document in Microsoft Word is pretty straightforward, but making sure everything is grammatically correct can take a little extra work. Whether you’re preparing a business report, writing an email, working on an assignment, or creating an important document, even a small spelling or punctuation mistake can make your writing look unprofessional.

That’s where Grammarly comes in. It helps you catch spelling mistakes, grammar errors, punctuation issues, and unclear sentences while improving the overall quality of your writing.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to add Grammarly to Microsoft Word on Windows and Mac, how to activate it, and how to use its suggestions to improve your documents.

How to Add Grammarly to Microsoft Word [Windows & Mac]

Before getting started, it’s important to understand that Grammarly’s traditional Microsoft Office add-in and its newer desktop integration options are not the same thing.

For Windows, Grammarly offers a desktop app that can work with supported writing applications. On Mac, you can use Grammarly for Mac alongside Microsoft Word, depending on your Word version and Grammarly account.

You should also know that Grammarly for Microsoft Word is not necessarily available as a traditional add-in in every version of Office. 

Therefore, we’ll cover the practical installation methods separately.

How to Add Grammarly to Microsoft Word on Windows

If you’re using a Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer, you can install Grammarly for Windows to get writing suggestions while working in Microsoft Word.

The desktop application works with supported versions of Microsoft Office, including Office 2016 and newer. You don’t have to install a separate browser extension to use the desktop integration.

Let’s go through the installation process.

Step 1: Visit the Official Grammarly Website

First, open your preferred web browser, such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Firefox.

Visit the official Grammarly desktop download page. Look for the Grammarly for Windows download option.

Make sure you’re downloading Grammarly from its official website. Avoid third-party download websites because they may provide outdated or modified installation files.

Step 2: Download Grammarly for Windows

Once you’re on the download page, select the Windows download option.

Your browser will begin downloading the Grammarly installation file. Depending on your browser settings, it may appear in the Downloads folder or in the download panel.

If you can’t find it, press Ctrl + J in your browser to open the downloads list.

Look for the Grammarly setup file and wait until the download finishes.

Step 3: Install Grammarly on Your Computer

Now that you’ve downloaded the installation file, it’s time to install it.

Open your Downloads folder and double-click the Grammarly setup file.

If Windows displays a security confirmation asking whether you want to allow the application to make changes to your device, check that the publisher is Grammarly before proceeding.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Once the installation finishes, Grammarly should be available on your Windows computer.

Step 4: Sign In to Your Grammarly Account

After installation, launch the Grammarly application.

You’ll see an option to sign in to your existing account. If you don’t have an account yet, select the option to create one.

You can generally register using your email address or an available sign-in provider.

Once you’ve signed in, Grammarly will run in the background and provide writing assistance in supported applications.

Step 5: Open Microsoft Word and Enable Grammarly

Now, open Microsoft Word from your Windows Start menu.

Create a new document or open an existing Word file. Click inside the document and start typing a few sentences.

Grammarly should automatically recognize that you’re writing in Word.

Depending on your current Grammarly interface, you’ll see a Grammarly tab on the right edge of your screen or a floating Grammarly widget.

If you don’t immediately see it, move your mouse pointer toward the right edge of your screen.

Step 6: Start Checking Your Writing

Once Grammarly is active, it will identify potential writing mistakes and display suggestions.

For example, if you accidentally type an incorrect spelling, Grammarly may underline the word and suggest the correct version.

Click the highlighted text or open the Grammarly panel to review the available suggestions.

You can accept a correction by selecting the suggested replacement. If you don’t agree with a suggestion, simply dismiss it.

That’s it! You’ve successfully added Grammarly to Microsoft Word on Windows.

How to Add Grammarly to Microsoft Word on Mac

If you’re using a MacBook, iMac, or another macOS computer, you can also use Grammarly with Microsoft Word.

However, there’s one important difference. Grammarly discontinued its separate Microsoft Word add-in for Mac. Instead, you should install the Grammarly for Mac desktop application.

Here’s how to set it up.

Step 1: Visit the Grammarly Website

Open Safari, Google Chrome, or another browser on your Mac.

Go to the Grammarly desktop download page.

Find the download option for Grammarly for Mac.

Make sure you select the macOS version rather than the Windows installer.

Step 2: Download Grammarly for Mac

Click the Mac download option to download the installation file.

Your browser will save the file, usually in the Downloads folder.

Wait for the download to finish before opening it.

Step 3: Install Grammarly on macOS

Open Finder and select Downloads from the sidebar.

Find the downloaded Grammarly installation file and open it.

Follow the installation instructions displayed on your screen. Depending on the installer, you may need to drag Grammarly into your Applications folder.

If macOS asks you to confirm the installation or grant permissions, follow the instructions shown by the installer.

After installation, open Grammarly from your Applications folder.

Step 4: Sign In to Your Account

Once Grammarly launches, sign in using your existing Grammarly account.

If you’re new to the service, create a free account.

After signing in, Grammarly will be ready to provide writing suggestions in supported applications.

Step 5: Open Microsoft Word on Your Mac

Now, launch Microsoft Word from your Applications folder or Dock.

Open an existing document or create a new one.

Make sure you’re using Print Layout in Word. Grammarly may not work correctly when Word is using Outline, Draft, or Web Layout.

To change the view, click View in the macOS menu bar and select Print Layout.

Step 6: Start Using Grammarly in Word

Click inside your document and start writing.

Grammarly will check your text and highlight potential mistakes. Depending on your setup, you may see a floating widget or a Grammarly tab along the right edge of your screen.

Click the Grammarly tab to review the available suggestions.

Select any suggestion you want to apply to your document.

You can now use Grammarly while writing in Microsoft Word on your Mac.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Grammarly free to use with Microsoft Word?

Yes, you can use Grammarly’s free plan with Microsoft Word. It provides essential writing suggestions, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation corrections. However, some advanced writing suggestions and AI features require a paid subscription.

2. Does Grammarly work with Microsoft Word 365?

Yes. Grammarly supports Microsoft 365 desktop applications through its Windows and Mac desktop applications. Install the appropriate Grammarly app, sign in, and open Word to start using its writing suggestions.

3. Why is Grammarly not showing up in Microsoft Word?

If Grammarly isn’t appearing in Word, first check whether the Grammarly desktop application is installed and running.

Also, make sure you’re signed in to your account and that Word is supported by your version of Grammarly.

On Windows, check Grammarly’s Block List settings to ensure Microsoft Word hasn’t been blocked.

On Mac, check whether the Grammarly tab is disabled. You should also make sure Word is using Print Layout.

If nothing works, restart Grammarly and Microsoft Word. Restarting your computer can also help resolve temporary integration problems.

4. Can I use Grammarly in Word without installing the desktop application?

The recommended way to use Grammarly directly in the desktop version of Microsoft Word is to install the Grammarly desktop application.

Alternatively, you can copy your document’s text and paste it into the Grammarly Editor using your web browser. After checking and correcting the text, you can copy it back into Word.

5. Does Grammarly work with Word Online?

Yes. You can use Grammarly with Word Online by installing Grammarly for Windows or Grammarly for Mac on a supported computer.

Open Word Online in your browser and start writing. Grammarly should provide suggestions through its desktop integration.

6. Can I use Grammarly on both Windows and Mac?

Yes. Grammarly offers separate desktop applications for Windows and macOS. You can sign in using the same Grammarly account on both operating systems.

7. Do I need Grammarly Premium to correct mistakes in Word?

No. The free version is enough for basic spelling, grammar, and punctuation corrections. However, Grammarly Pro provides additional writing assistance, including more advanced suggestions and features.

Summary

Adding Grammarly to Microsoft Word is a simple process, whether you’re using Windows or Mac.

On Windows, download and install Grammarly for Windows, sign in to your account, and open Microsoft Word. On Mac, install Grammarly for Mac and follow the same general process.

Remember that Grammarly’s older Microsoft Word add-in for Mac has been discontinued. The desktop application is the recommended option for both operating systems.

Once everything is set up, Grammarly can help you catch writing mistakes, improve sentence clarity, and create more professional documents without constantly switching between applications.