How to Enable or Disable AutoComplete in MS Word

If the Microsoft Word AutoCorrect feature becomes a nuisance, turn it off in these easy steps. Instructions in this article apply to Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2019, Word 2016, Word 2013, and Word 2010.

Turn the Word AutoCorrect Feature On and Off

To toggle AutoComplete on and off:

1. Go to the File tab, then select Options.

2. In the Word Options dialog box, select Proofing.

3. In the AutoCorrect options section, select the AutoCorrect Options button.

4. In the AutoCorrect dialog box, select the AutoCorrect tab.

5. Clear the check box for the function you want to disable:

   • Correct TWo INitial CApitals
   • Capitalize first letter of sentences
   • Capitalize first letter of table cells (Not in Excel or OneNote)
   • Capitalize names of days
   • Correct accidental use of cAPS LOCK key

6. Clear the Replace Text as You Type check box to turn AutoComplete off or select the Replace Text as You Type check box to turn AutoComplete on.

Add, Change, or Remove an Entry from the AutoCorrect List

Word contains a list of commonly misspelled words, and you can add custom words, change existing entries, or delete entries from the AutoCorrect list. When you add words to the AutoComplete tab, Word suggests the words as you begin to type.

1. Go to the File tab, then select Options.

2. In the Word Options dialog box, select Proofing.

3. In the AutoCorrect options section, select the AutoCorrect Options button.

4. In the AutoCorrect dialog box, go to the AutoCorrect tab.

5. In the Replace text box, type a word or phrase that you often mistype or misspell.

6. In the With text box, type the correct spelling of the word.

7. Select Add. Word automatically corrects the spelling if you misspell or mistype the word as entered.

8. Select an entry you want to change in the list and type a new entry in the With box. Select Replace to make the change.

9. Select Yes to confirm that you want to change the entry.

10. Select an entry you want to remove in the list, then select Delete to remove the entry.

11. Select OK when you're done to close the AutoCorrect dialog box.

12. Select OK to close the Word Options dialog box.