Technology, Smartphones, Games


How to Use Spellcheck and Autocorrect in Notepad on Windows 11

Windows 11, Windows, Microsoft, Update, Notepad

Microsoft's Notepad has been a simple yet essential tool for many users since its launch in 1983. Now, after 41 years, Notepad is finally getting two long-awaited features: spellcheck and autocorrect. These additions will enhance your note-taking experience, making it easier to spot and correct mistakes. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use these new features in Notepad on Windows 11.

Notepad

Image Credit: Windows

Step 1: Ensure You Have Windows 11

First, make sure you’re using Windows 11. The new spellcheck and autocorrect features are only available in this latest version of the operating system. If you’re not sure which version you have, you can check by following these steps:

  1. Click on the Start button.
  2. Go to Settings.
  3. Select System.
  4. Click on About.
  5. Here, you can see your Windows version under Windows specifications.

If you’re not on Windows 11, you’ll need to update your operating system to access these features.

Step 2: Open Notepad

Once you’ve confirmed that you have Windows 11, open Notepad. You can do this by:

  1. Clicking the Start button.
  2. Typing “Notepad” into the search bar.
  3. Selecting Notepad from the search results.
Step 3: Enable Spellcheck and Autocorrect

With Notepad open, follow these steps to enable spellcheck and autocorrect:

  1. Access Settings: Click on the Settings icon (usually found in the top right corner of the Notepad window).
  2. Toggle Spellcheck: Find the option for spellcheck and toggle it on. This will enable spellcheck for your current file.
  3. Toggle Autocorrect: Similarly, find the option for autocorrect and toggle it on to automatically correct spelling mistakes as you type.

Spell check

Step 4: Using Spellcheck

As you type, Notepad will underline misspelled words in red. To correct a mistake:

  1. Double-Click the Word: Unlike in Microsoft Word, where a single right-click brings up correction suggestions, Notepad requires a double-click on the misspelled word.
  2. Select the Correct Word: A menu will appear with suggested corrections. Click on the correct word to replace the misspelled one.

check

Step 5: Customizing Settings

You can customize spellcheck and autocorrect settings based on your needs. For example, spellcheck is automatically disabled for certain file types like .md, .srt, .lrc, and .lic, which are often used in coding and other technical fields. If you want to disable spellcheck or autocorrect for a specific file type, follow these steps:

  1. Open Settings: Go back to the Settings menu in Notepad.
  2. Select File Type Exclusions: Look for the section where you can manage file type exclusions.
  3. Add or Remove File Types: Add the file types you want to exclude from spellcheck and autocorrect.
Step 6: Update and Patience

If you don’t see the new features immediately, don’t worry. Microsoft is rolling out these updates gradually. Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date, and check back periodically to see if the features have been enabled for you.

Conclusion

The addition of spellcheck and autocorrect to Notepad in Windows 11 is a game-changer for many users. These features, long available in Microsoft Word, are now making their way to Notepad, enhancing its functionality while maintaining its simplicity. By following these steps, you can easily enable and use spellcheck and autocorrect in Notepad, making your note-taking and text-editing tasks more efficient and error-free.

Enjoy the new features and happy note-taking!