Easy Tech TutsHow to Turn On Spell Check in Outlook Easily 2026
By Impran M N
A typo in a client email can undercut an otherwise professional message. Outlook has proofing settings that catch spelling and grammar mistakes automatically, both before you hit send and in real time as you type, so you can rely on the software to flag problems before they leave your outbox.
01Open File Options
Go to Outlook's File menu and open the Options dashboard.
02Enable check spelling before sending
In the Mail category, check the box for always checking spelling before sending so nothing goes out with an obvious mistake.
03Explore spelling and autocorrect settings
Click into the Spelling and Autocorrect sub-menu to see the full range of proofing options available.
04Turn on real-time underlines
Toggle on the setting to check spelling as you type, which underlines potential mistakes while you're still composing.
05Adjust grammar and style strictness
Open the Editor settings to fine-tune how strict the grammar and style checking should be, then save and test with a draft message.
Frequently asked questions
Does Outlook check spelling automatically by default?
Not always with every setting enabled; you may need to manually turn on options like checking spelling before sending in the File Options menu.
Can I get grammar suggestions, not just spelling?
Yes, the Editor settings let you adjust checking strictness to include style and grammar reviews beyond basic spelling.
How do I reset words I've told Outlook to ignore?
You can clear your custom ignored words dictionary from the spelling settings so previously skipped words get flagged again.
Will spell check slow down my typing?
Real-time underlining runs in the background and shouldn't noticeably affect typing speed, but you can turn it off if you find it distracting.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
