Fix Outlook Spell Check Not Working Issue: Here’s the Fix
User Query: When I try to write an email in Outlook, the spell check is not working. It does not underline wrong words, and even the spelling tool does not detect errors. How can I fix Outlook spell check quickly?
Summary: Spell check is one of the most useful features in Outlook. It helps you avoid typing mistakes, spelling errors, and grammar issues before sending an email. But sometimes, Outlook stops checking spelling automatically. Outlook does not underline words, nor does it run the spelling tool before sending the message. This problem usually happens because of incorrect Outlook settings, disabled proofing options, language settings, or profile issues. In this guide, you will learn simple manual methods and a professional DRS Outlook PST Recovery for a hassle-free recovery without losing your data.
Common Reasons Why Spell Check Not Working in Outlook
Before fixing the issue, it is important to understand why it happens:
- Outlook settings disable the Spell Check option.
- “Do not check spelling or grammar” is enabled.
- The wrong proofing language is selected.
- Something has damaged the Microsoft Outlook profile.
- Add-ins are interfering with Outlook.
- Moreover, the Outlook application is corrupted.
Manual Method to Fix Outlook Spell Check
If Outlook is not checking spelling properly, you can resolve the issue by adjusting a few settings. Below are simple step-by-step methods that help restore the spell check feature quickly.
Method 01: Enable Spell Checking Not Working In Microsoft Outlook
- Firstly, open Outlook on your PC.
- Now, click on File and choose Options.
- After that, select Mail from the left panel.
- Under “Compose messages,” click Spelling and Autocorrect.
- Make sure “Check spelling as you type” is enabled.
- Further, click OK and restart Outlook.
- Now compose a new email and check if spelling errors are underlined.
Method 02: Disable “Do Not Check Spelling or Grammar”
Sometimes spell check is disabled for a specific email.
- Primarily, open a new email.
- Now, press Ctrl + A to select all text.
- Afterwards, go to the Review tab.
- Click Language > Set Proofing Language.
- Make sure “Do not check spelling or grammar” is unchecked. Click OK.
- This often fixes the Outlook spelling and grammar check issue.
Method 03: Check Proofing Language Settings to Fix New Outlook Spell Check Problem
Incorrect language settings can stop spell check from working.
- First, open Outlook on your PC.
- Next, go to File > Options > Language.
- Make sure the correct editing language is selected.
- If needed, set it as the default. Restart Outlook.
Method 04: Disable Conflicting Add-ins to Fix Spell Check Stopped Working in Outlook
- Click File > Options > Add-ins.
- At the bottom, select COM Add-ins and click Go.
- Afterwards, uncheck unnecessary add-ins.
- Lastly, restart Outlook and test spell check again.
Method 05: Repair Microsoft Outlook
If Outlook files are damaged, spell check may stop working.
- Open Control Panel.
- Click Programs and Features.
- Select Microsoft Office. Click Change.
- Choose Quick Repair and follow the instructions.
- After the repair process, open Outlook and test the feature.
Professional Tool to Fix Outlook Spell Check
If none of the manual methods fix the issue, your Outlook data file (PST) may be corrupted. A damaged PST file can cause multiple Outlook problems, including spell check failure. In such cases, you can use a reliable DRS PST Repair Tool to scan and repair corrupted Outlook data files. Designed with a simple interface, every user can easily use it without needing any technical skills. Additionally, a free version of this tool is available to evaluate its features and performance.
Simple Steps to Repair a Corrupted or Damaged PST File
- Download and install the DRS Outlook PST Recovery Tool.

- Click on Open to add your corrupted/damaged PST files.

- Choose Recovery Modes and other options. Click OK.

- Then, you can preview all your recovered PST files.

- Lastly, click Save and choose different Saving formats.

Real-Life Scenario
David, a marketing executive, noticed that Outlook stopped underlining spelling mistakes in his emails. He checked the settings but could not find the problem. After repairing Outlook, the issue remained. Later, he discovered that his PST file was damaged. After repairing it using a professional DRS Tool, the spell check feature started working again without any issues.
Conclusion
Outlook spell check not working can be hectic when sending professional emails. In most cases, the issue is related to disabled settings, language configuration, or add-ins. These help to fix Outlook Spell Check. However, if the problem continues, the cause may be deeper, such as PST file corruption. In such situations, using a reliable repair tool is the safest and most effective solution. Follow the methods carefully, and you should be able to fix Outlook spell check without any difficulty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: First, check whether the “Check spelling as you type” option is enabled in Outlook settings (File > Options > Mail > Spelling and Autocorrect). Also, make sure the correct proofing language is selected and the “Do not check spelling or grammar” option is unchecked. Restart Outlook after making changes
Ans: Outlook may skip spell check if the automatic spelling option is disabled or if proofing settings are misconfigured. Sometimes, add-ins or a damaged Outlook profile can also prevent spell check from running before sending emails. Enabling spelling options and repairing Outlook usually resolves the issue
Ans: You can fix the Outlook spell check error by enabling spelling settings, correcting proofing language, disabling unnecessary add-ins, or repairing Microsoft Office. If the issue is caused by PST file corruption, using a reliable PST repair tool can help restore proper functionality.
Ans: Yes, the professional DRS PST Repair Tool supports most Outlook versions, including older and newer editions. It works with multiple Outlook data file versions and helps repair corrupted PST files without affecting existing mailbox data.
About The Author:
I, Aaradhya Jain, a technical content writer at DRS Solutions, specializes in delivering clear, practical guides on data management, migration, and recovery tools. With a detail-oriented and user-first approach mindset, I transform complex processes into actionable insights for IT professionals and decision-makers.