How to turn off autocorrect on a Windows computer and disable its built-in spell check and highlight tools

• You can turn off autocorrect on a Windows computer by toggling off the "Autocorrect misspelled words" and "Highlight misspelled words" features in the "Typing" menu.
• To access the "Typing" menu, you'll first need to launch your Windows computer's "Settings" app.
• Autocorrect on Windows automatically replaces words it believes have been incorrectly-spelled words in apps designed to work with the tool.
• Windows' autocorrect feature also "highlights" or underlines words it doesn't recognize based on the operating system's built-in dictionary.

Whether you're writing an email in Outlook or searching for a site in Microsoft Edge, Windows' autocorrect tool can be a helpful writing aide.

Best known for underlining words not in the system's dictionary with that scribbly red line, it now also completely replaces misspelled text. This prevents you from making an embarrassing error in your work emails or from slowing down your internet search with incorrect or non-existent terms.

Unfortunately, autocorrect on Windows doesn't work across all your device's apps and can even interfere with third-party grammar and spelling programs. It's also not the most advanced spell check software, meaning you're often left with mistakes in your work or even introduce errors through autocorrect. It can be incredibly frustrating if you aren't writing in English or are using newer words its dictionary doesn't yet recognize.

Complimentary Tech Event

Transform talent with learning that works

Capability development is critical for businesses who want to push the envelope of innovation.Discover how business leaders are strategizing around building talent capabilities and empowering employee transformation.Know More

Luckily, you can turn off autocorrect on Windows to prevent these issues. Here's how to do it.

How to turn off autocorrect on Windows

1. Click the Windows "Start" icon and scroll the apps list until you see "Settings." Select it.

• Note: You can also use the keyboard shortcut by holding down the Windows button and the letter "I" (Windows+I) at the same time.

2. Choose "Devices."

3. Select "Typing" from the left toolbar.

4. Click the "Autocorrect misspelled words" and "Highlight misspelled words" toggles to turn the features off.

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

• How to turn off autocorrect on your Mac computer in 4 steps

• How to turn off autocorrect on your iPad in 4 simple steps

• How to turn off the autocorrect feature on your iPhone

• How to turn off autocorrect on a Samsung Galaxy S10 in 2 different ways

• How to add Grammarly to your Microsoft Outlook app and get advanced spelling and grammar corrections for your emails