How To Turn On Autocorrect In Outlook : Activate Auto Correction Feature

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Autocorrect in Outlook fixes your typos as you type, but you can enable this feature to automatically correct common spelling errors. If you’re wondering how to turn on autocorrect in outlook, this guide will walk you through every step. Whether you use Outlook on Windows, Mac, or the web, you’ll find clear instructions to get autocorrect working for you.

How To Turn On Autocorrect In Outlook

Outlook’s autocorrect feature is a built-in tool that catches and fixes common misspellings, typos, and capitalization errors. It works similarly to autocorrect in Word or other Office apps. Once enabled, it can save you time and reduce embarassing mistakes in your emails.

Let’s start with the most common version: Outlook for Windows (Microsoft 365 or Outlook 2019/2021). The steps are nearly identical for older versions too.

Step-By-Step For Outlook On Windows

  1. Open Outlook on your computer.
  2. Click the File tab in the top-left corner.
  3. Select Options from the left-hand menu.
  4. In the Outlook Options window, click Mail on the left.
  5. Scroll down to the “Compose messages” section.
  6. Click the button labeled Spelling and Autocorrect.
  7. In the new window, check the box that says Check spelling as you type.
  8. Make sure Use autocorrect is also checked.
  9. Click OK to save your changes.

That’s it. Autocorrect is now active. When you type a common error like “teh,” Outlook will automatically change it to “the.”

Customizing Autocorrect Settings

You can add your own corrections or remove ones you don’t like. In the same Spelling and Autocorrect window, click the Autocorrect Options button. Here you’ll see a list of existing replacements. You can:

  • Add a new word and its correction
  • Delete an entry you find annoying
  • Change how capitalization is handled

For example, if you often type “recieve” instead of “receive,” you can add that pair manually. This makes autocorrect even more useful for your specific typing habits.

How To Turn On Autocorrect In Outlook For Mac

If you use Outlook on a Mac, the process is a bit different. Here’s how to enable it:

  1. Open Outlook for Mac.
  2. Click Outlook in the menu bar at the top.
  3. Select Preferences from the dropdown.
  4. Click the Spelling and Grammar icon.
  5. Check the box for Check spelling while typing.
  6. Also check Correct spelling automatically.
  7. Close the preferences window.

Now autocorrect will work as you compose emails. The Mac version also lets you manage your autocorrect dictionary from the same settings panel.

Adding Custom Words On Mac

To add your own autocorrect entries on Mac, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text. Any replacements you add here will sync with Outlook and other apps on your Mac. This is handy for common typos or shortcuts like “brb” expanding to “be right back.”

How To Turn On Autocorrect In Outlook On The Web

Outlook on the web (Outlook.com or Office 365 web) has a simpler autocorrect system. It’s often enabled by default, but you can check or adjust it:

  1. Log in to Outlook on the web in your browser.
  2. Click the Settings gear icon (top-right corner).
  3. Select View all Outlook settings at the bottom.
  4. Go to Mail > Compose and reply.
  5. Under “Message format,” look for Autocorrect.
  6. Toggle it on or off as needed.
  7. Click Save at the top.

Note that the web version’s autocorrect is less advanced than the desktop app. It mainly fixes basic spelling errors and capitalization. For more control, use the desktop version.

Common Issues With Autocorrect In Outlook

Sometimes autocorrect doesn’t work as expected. Here are a few problems and fixes:

Autocorrect Not Working At All

  • Make sure you’ve enabled it in the correct settings (see steps above).
  • Check if you’re using an add-in that interferes with autocorrect. Disable add-ins temporarily to test.
  • Restart Outlook after changing settings.

Autocorrect Changing Words Incorrectly

  • You can undo a correction by pressing Ctrl+Z (Windows) or Cmd+Z (Mac) immediately.
  • To stop a specific correction, go to Autocorrect Options and delete the entry.
  • Add the word to your custom dictionary if it’s a valid word autocorrect doesn’t recognize.

Autocorrect Not Working In Certain Fields

  • Autocorrect usually works in the email body, but not in the subject line or address fields. This is by design.
  • For the subject line, you’ll need to manually check spelling.

Tips For Using Autocorrect Effectively

Autocorrect is a powerful tool, but it works best when you customize it. Here are some practical tips:

  • Add your most common typos to the autocorrect list. Over time, this saves a lot of time.
  • Use autocorrect for abbreviations. For example, set “asap” to expand to “as soon as possible.”
  • Be careful with autocorrect in professional emails. Double-check that it didn’t change a name or technical term incorrectly.
  • If autocorrect keeps changing a word you use often, add that word to your custom dictionary to stop it.

How Autocorrect Differs From Spell Check

Many people confuse autocorrect with spell check. They are different features:

  • Autocorrect changes words automatically as you type, without you needing to do anything.
  • Spell check underlines misspelled words with a red squiggly line, but doesn’t change them unless you right-click and choose a suggestion.

Both are useful, and you can enable them together. Autocorrect is faster for common errors, while spell check catches less frequent mistakes.

Enabling Autocorrect In Older Versions Of Outlook

If you’re using Outlook 2010, 2013, or 2016, the steps are similar to the modern version:

  1. Go to File > Options.
  2. Click Mail.
  3. Under “Compose messages,” click Spelling and Autocorrect.
  4. Check the boxes for autocorrect and spell check.
  5. Click OK.

In very old versions like Outlook 2007, the option is under Tools > Options > Spelling. The interface is different, but the logic is the same.

Autocorrect On Outlook Mobile App

The Outlook mobile app for iOS and Android doesn’t have its own autocorrect. Instead, it uses your phone’s built-in autocorrect. To adjust this:

  • On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Keyboard and enable “Auto-Correction.”
  • On Android: Go to Settings > System > Languages and input > Virtual keyboard and adjust your keyboard’s autocorrect settings.

This means autocorrect in the Outlook mobile app depends on your device settings, not Outlook itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I turn off autocorrect in Outlook?

Follow the same steps to reach the Spelling and Autocorrect settings, then uncheck the autocorrect box. On Windows, go to File > Options > Mail > Spelling and Autocorrect. On Mac, go to Outlook > Preferences > Spelling and Grammar and uncheck “Correct spelling automatically.”

Why is autocorrect not working in Outlook?

Common reasons include: autocorrect is disabled in settings, an add-in is blocking it, or you’re in a field where autocorrect doesn’t apply (like the subject line). Check your settings and restart Outlook.

Can I add custom words to autocorrect in Outlook?

Yes. In the Spelling and Autocorrect window, click Autocorrect Options and add your own entries. On Mac, use System Preferences > Keyboard > Text to add replacements that sync with Outlook.

Does autocorrect work in Outlook for Mac?

Yes, but the settings are in a different location. Go to Outlook > Preferences > Spelling and Grammar and enable “Correct spelling automatically.” You can also manage custom entries through macOS system settings.

Is autocorrect the same in Outlook and Word?

Mostly yes, but Outlook’s autocorrect is slightly simpler. Word has more advanced options like math autocorrect and formatting corrections. Outlook focuses on basic spelling and capitalization fixes.

Final Thoughts On Autocorrect In Outlook

Enabling autocorrect in Outlook is a small change that makes a big difference. It catches typos before you hit send, saving you from embarassing mistakes. The steps are straightforward once you know where to look.

Remember to customize your autocorrect list over time. Add your frequent errors and remove corrections you don’t need. This makes the feature work better for you personally.

If you share a computer with others, be aware that autocorrect settings are per-user. Each person needs to set it up in their own Outlook profile.

Now you know how to turn on autocorrect in outlook on any platform. Give it a try and see how much cleaner your emails become. It’s one of those features you’ll wonder how you lived without.