What Are Word Suggestions, Text Prediction, and Autocorrect in Windows?
Word suggestions, also called text suggestions or text prediction, show suggested words above the cursor while you type. You can select a suggestion instead of finishing the word manually. Autocorrect can automatically fix common typing mistakes, while spelling highlight marks possible misspellings so you can review them.
These options are useful if you type long messages, write in more than one language, use a touch keyboard, or want Windows to catch simple spelling mistakes before you send text to another person.
How to Enable Word Suggestions and Autocorrect in Windows 11
In Windows 11, the main settings for physical keyboard suggestions, spelling highlights, and autocorrect are located in the Typing section of the Settings app.
- Press
Win + Ito open Settings. - Open Time & language in the left sidebar.
- Select Typing.
- Turn on Show text suggestions when typing on the physical keyboard.
- Turn on Autocorrect misspelled words if you want Windows to automatically fix common mistakes.
- Turn on Highlight misspelled words if you want misspelled words to be marked while typing.
- Open a text field, type a few words, and check whether suggestions appear above the cursor.
How to Enable Word Suggestions and Autocorrect in Windows 10
In Windows 10, these options are usually found under Devices in the Settings app. The exact wording can vary slightly depending on the Windows 10 build, installed language pack, and keyboard layout.
- Press
Win + Ito open Settings. - Go to Devices.
- Select Typing in the left pane.
- Under Hardware keyboard, turn on Show text suggestions as I type.
- Turn on Autocorrect misspelled words as I type if this switch is available.
- In the Spelling section, enable Autocorrect misspelled words and Highlight misspelled words if you want system-wide spelling assistance.
- Test the feature in a supported app, such as a message box, a browser text field, or a document editor.
How to Enable Text Suggestions for the Touch Keyboard in Windows
If you use a tablet, convertible laptop, touchscreen device, or the on-screen touch keyboard, Windows can also show suggestions while you type without a physical keyboard.
- Open Settings with
Win + I. - In Windows 11, go to Time & language > Typing.
- In Windows 10, go to Devices > Typing.
- Find the touch keyboard or software keyboard section.
- Turn on Show text suggestions as I type on the software keyboard, or the closest available option with similar wording.
After enabling the feature, open the touch keyboard from the taskbar or by tapping a text field on a touchscreen device. Suggested words should appear above the keyboard as you type.
How to Enable Multilingual Text Suggestions in Windows
Multilingual text suggestions help when you type in more than one language. Instead of manually changing prediction behavior every time, Windows can show suggestions based on the language it recognizes while you type.
- Open Settings.
- Go to the Typing settings page.
- Turn on Multilingual text suggestions in Windows 11.
- In Windows 10, enable Show text suggestions based on the recognized languages you are typing in, if available.
- Make sure the required languages are installed under Time & language > Language & region or Language.
Where Do Windows Word Suggestions and Autocorrect Work?
Windows typing assistance is designed for text fields and apps that support the Windows input system. However, not every application uses the same text engine.
| App or area | Expected behavior |
|---|---|
| Settings, search boxes, modern apps | Usually works well with Windows text suggestions and spelling features. |
| Browsers | Text suggestions may appear in some fields, but the browser can also use its own spell checker. |
| Microsoft Word and office apps | These apps often rely on their own proofing, AutoCorrect, and grammar tools. |
| Older desktop programs | Support may be limited or unavailable, especially in legacy text boxes. |
| Password fields | Suggestions are normally disabled for privacy and security. |
Text Suggestions or Autocorrect Not Working in Windows: How to Fix It
If you enabled the correct switches but suggestions still do not appear, use the checks below.
- Try another app. Test in Notepad, a browser text box, Microsoft Teams, or another simple text field.
- Restart the app. Some apps need to be reopened before typing settings take effect.
- Check your language. Go to Settings > Time & language and confirm that your input language and keyboard layout are installed.
- Install Windows updates. Open Settings > Windows Update and install available updates.
- Disable third-party keyboard tools. Keyboard managers, clipboard utilities, macro tools, and text expanders can interfere with typing behavior.
- Check work or school restrictions. Managed devices may have typing, privacy, or spell-check options controlled by an administrator.
- Restart Windows. A restart can reload language services and input components.
How to Turn Off Word Suggestions and Autocorrect in Windows
If text suggestions distract you, or if autocorrect changes technical terms, names, passwords, commands, or mixed-language text incorrectly, you can turn the same options off.
- Open Settings with
Win + I. - Go to Time & language > Typing in Windows 11.
- Go to Devices > Typing in Windows 10.
- Turn off Show text suggestions for the physical keyboard or software keyboard.
- Turn off Autocorrect misspelled words if automatic correction causes unwanted replacements.
- Turn off Highlight misspelled words if you do not want spelling marks while typing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Word Suggestions and Autocorrect in Windows
Why do I not see text suggestions on my physical keyboard?
Make sure Show text suggestions when typing on the physical keyboard is enabled, test a supported app, and check that your input language is installed. Some older desktop programs do not support this feature.
Does Windows autocorrect work in every app?
No. Some apps use Windows spelling and input services, while others use their own correction tools. This is normal, especially in browsers, office applications, code editors, and legacy desktop software.
Can Windows show suggestions in more than one language?
Yes. Enable Multilingual text suggestions and install the languages you use. The exact option name depends on the Windows version.
Will text suggestions change my keyboard layout?
No. Text suggestions and autocorrect do not change the keyboard layout. To add or switch layouts, open Settings > Time & language > Language & region.
Should I enable autocorrect on a work PC?
It depends on what you type. Autocorrect is convenient for regular writing, but it can be annoying for commands, product names, technical terms, domain names, and mixed-language text. In that case, keep suggestions enabled but leave autocorrect disabled.
Best Settings for Word Suggestions and Typing Corrections in Windows
To enable word suggestions and error correction in Windows, open the Typing settings page and turn on text suggestions, spelling highlights, and autocorrect according to your preference. Windows 11 uses the path Settings > Time & language > Typing, while Windows 10 commonly uses Settings > Devices > Typing.
For the most balanced setup, enable text suggestions and highlight misspelled words. Use autocorrect only if you want Windows to automatically replace common mistakes while you type.