Spelling errors

Sue Houston 0 Reputation points
2026-11-10T16:02:04.2466667+00:00

Spelling errors are not detected when I paste one document into another. Has anyone else had this issue?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows
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  1. AI answer

    2026-11-10T16:02:51.67+00:00

    Select the pasted text—or the entire destination document—and reapply its proofing language, because Word can preserve language and spell-check attributes when text is copied between documents.

    Reset proofing for the pasted text

    1. In the destination document, select the pasted text.
      • To correct the entire document, press Ctrl+A.
    2. Go to Review → Language → Language → Set Proofing Language.
    3. Select the language actually used in the document, such as English (United States).
    4. Clear Do not check spelling or grammar.
      • If its box is shaded or filled rather than checked, the selection contains mixed settings; click it until the box is completely empty.
    5. If Detect language automatically is assigning the wrong language, clear it and explicitly select the correct language. Automatic detection can misidentify short or ambiguous text.^1^
    6. Select OK—not Set as Default.
    7. Type an obvious test error such as speling, then open Review → Editor or press F7.

    Word stores the proofing language as an attribute of the text, much like formatting. Consequently, copied text can retain a different language or the Do not check spelling or grammar attribute even when the destination document otherwise checks spelling correctly.^2^ A matching case in which copied text remained unchecked was resolved by selecting everything, clearing Do not check spelling or grammar, and disabling automatic language detection.^3^

    If no text in the document is being marked

    Check the document-level settings:

    1. Open File → Options → Proofing.
    2. Under When correcting spelling and grammar in Word, enable:
      • Check spelling as you type
      • Mark grammar errors as you type
    3. Under Exceptions for, select the affected document.
    4. Clear:
      • Hide spelling errors in this document only
      • Hide grammar errors in this document only
    5. Select OK, reopen the document, and run Review → Editor.

    If the required language is not available in Set Proofing Language, it must first be enabled in Office; some languages also require the corresponding proofing tools or language pack.^1^

    References

    1. Troubleshoot checking spelling and grammar in multiple languages | Microsoft Support
    2. why is my spelling and AutoCorrect not working - Microsoft Q&A
    3. Spellcheck Not Working and Frustrating - Microsoft Q&A
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Stefan Blom 357.4K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-11-10T16:31:14.1833333+00:00

    Select all the text and (re-)apply the correct language via the Language dialog box.

    To display the dialog box, go to the Review tab, click Language (in the Language group) and then click Set Proofing Language.

    Make sure that you choose the appropriate language and that you also completely clear the check boxes for "Do not check spelling or grammar" and "Detect language automatically."

    Click OK to confirm the settings and close the Language dialog box.

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