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How to Remove a Word from Word Dictionary
The words you save to the dictionary are stored on your device
2 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
When using Windows, you’ll see an option that’s calledAdd to dictionaryin various programs including Microsoft Word, some Note-taking applications, web browsers and more.
Every time you add a word to the spell-checking dictionary, it is saved automatically. Once it is, you’ll be able to ignore it every time the program checks for spelling mistakes.
Add to Dictionary or Ignore
When we write a certain word multiple times and Windows doesn’t recognize it, it will point out that specific word as an error. But if you’re sure the spelling of that word is correct, you can avoid Window’s error prompts and skip its irritating red underline by choosing between “Add to dictionary”orIgnore.
If you chooseIgnore, this will happen only once. If you’re sure you’ll use that specific word frequently, it’s better to chooseto Add to Dictionary.
In the future, you might also want to remove that word. We’re going to show you the different ways in which you can add, edit or remove words from the default dictionary of Microsoft Office on Windows 10/8/7.
How to remove a word from spell check?
When you use theAdd to dictionaryfeature, the word you used this option on is automatically saved in a file. You can edit that file manually in order to add or remove words from the spell checking dictionary.
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Press theWindows keyon your keyboard and typefile explorerin the search box that opens.
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Click on the first result to open the File Explorer app.
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Navigate toFile > Change folder and search options.
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TheFolder Optionswindow will now open. Navigate to theViewtab.
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SelectShow hidden files, folder, and drives, then click onApply.
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Use the following path to navigate to theSpellingfolder: C:\Users<username>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Spelling
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In theSpellingfolder you’ll find one or more folders. In case you used more than one language on your system, you’re going to find more than one folder.
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Choose a folder based on the language that you’ve used. In each folder, you’ll see 3 files: default.acl, default.dic and default.exc.
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Double-click on default.dic and it will open inNotepad.
10.Here you’ll be able to see all the words that you’ve added to the dictionary. You can now edit the file.
11.Save and exit after you’re done, and you’re all set!
This might be a bothersome task for some, but it’s the simplest way to edit dictionary entries created on your system. The number of words can pile up rather fast, especially if you’re writing about niche things and not your usual vocabulary is at play. However, once you get used to it, it can come quite handy for adding or, in this case, removing words.
We have an article on thebest spell-checking toolsyou can use that you can check out.
Let us know what you think about this article and tell us if it helped you remove words from the dictionary.
More about the topics:All the Windows 10 tips you need to Know
Radu Tyrsina
Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).
For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.
Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.
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