Spencer Lanoue
Grammarly is a helpful tool for anyone who spends a lot of time working with text, especially in Microsoft Word. But what happens when it suddenly stops working? If you've been there, you're not alone. This article is here to guide you through the potential reasons why Grammarly might not be cooperating with your Word document and how you can get it back on track. Let's get started on troubleshooting these issues so you can get back to writing.
Checking Your Internet Connection
First things first, let's talk about your internet connection. Grammarly needs a stable internet connection to work properly, as it checks your document against its vast database online. If your connection is spotty, Grammarly might not function correctly. Imagine trying to have a conversation on a phone call with bad reception. Frustrating, right?
So, what can you do? Check if your internet is working smoothly. You can try loading a webpage or streaming a video to see if everything is running as it should. If you're having issues, restarting your router or checking with your internet provider might be necessary. Once your internet is stable, Grammarly should be able to connect and function properly.
Ensuring Grammarly Is Enabled in Word
Next up, let's make sure Grammarly is enabled in Word. Sometimes, it might get disabled without you even realizing it. Picture this: you're trying to watch a movie, but the TV is off. No matter how loudly you ask for popcorn, nothing's going to happen until you power it on.
To check if Grammarly is enabled, open Word and navigate to the "Add-ins" section. Here's how:
- Click on "File" in the top menu.
- Choose "Options" from the sidebar.
- In the Word Options window, click on "Add-ins."
- Look for Grammarly in the list of add-ins. If it's listed under "Disabled Application Add-ins," you'll need to enable it.
- To enable, select "COM Add-ins" from the Manage dropdown at the bottom and click "Go."
- Check the box next to Grammarly and click "OK."
After doing this, restart Word and see if Grammarly is back in action.
Updating Grammarly and Word
Software updates might seem like a hassle, but they're essential for keeping everything running smoothly. If either Grammarly or Word is outdated, they might not play nice with each other. It's like trying to use a VHS tape on a modern TV. Not impossible, but certainly tricky.
To update Grammarly, visit their website or your browser's extension store and check for any available updates. As for Word, you can update it through Microsoft Office updates:
- Open Word and click on "File."
- Select "Account" from the sidebar.
- Under the Product Information section, click "Update Options."
- Choose "Update Now" to make sure you have the latest version installed.
Updating both tools might resolve any compatibility issues and get Grammarly working smoothly again.
Checking for Conflicting Add-ins
Sometimes, other add-ins in Word can interfere with Grammarly. It's like trying to work in a crowded coffee shop where everyone's talking loudly. It's hard to focus. To see if this is the issue, you can disable other add-ins temporarily:
- Go to "File" and then "Options."
- Click on "Add-ins" in the sidebar.
- Select "COM Add-ins" from the Manage dropdown and click "Go."
- Uncheck other add-ins one by one and click "OK" each time to disable them.
- Restart Word after each change to see if Grammarly starts working.
If Grammarly starts working after disabling a specific add-in, you've found the culprit. You can choose to keep it disabled or reach out to the add-in's support for further assistance.
Verifying Your Grammarly Subscription
Grammarly offers both free and premium plans, and sometimes, subscription issues can lead to problems. Maybe your subscription expired, or there's an issue with your payment method. It's like trying to use a gym membership that's no longer active. You're not going to get through the door.
To check your subscription:
- Log in to your Grammarly account on their website.
- Go to the "Account" section to view your subscription details.
- Make sure your subscription is active and your payment information is up to date.
If you find any issues, resolving them through Grammarly's support or updating your payment details should get you back on track.
Running Grammarly as an Administrator
Sometimes, Grammarly might need a bit more access to work properly. Running it as an administrator can give it the permissions it needs. Think of it like giving someone the keys to your car. They can't drive it without them.
Here's how to run Grammarly as an administrator:
- Right-click on the Grammarly icon on your desktop or in your start menu.
- Select "Run as administrator" from the context menu.
- Confirm any prompts that appear.
Once you've done this, open Word and see if Grammarly is back to correcting your text.
Checking Your Document's Language Settings
Another potential hiccup could be the language settings in your Word document. Grammarly may not work if the document is set to a language it doesn't support. It's like trying to read a book in a language you don't understand. Not very effective.
To check and change the language settings:
- Select all the text in your Word document (Ctrl + A).
- Go to the "Review" tab in the top menu.
- Click on "Language" and then "Set Proofing Language."
- Ensure the language is set to one that Grammarly supports, like English.
- Click "OK" to apply the changes.
With the correct language set, Grammarly should start working again.
Using Spell for AI-Powered Editing
While you're troubleshooting Grammarly, it might be a good time to consider Spell. We've designed Spell to be an AI-powered document editor that makes writing and editing a breeze. Imagine having an assistant that not only corrects your grammar but also helps you draft and refine documents in real-time.
With Spell, you can:
- Create drafts in seconds using AI.
- Edit documents with natural language prompts. Just tell Spell what you want to change.
- Collaborate with your team as if you're all in the same room, thanks to real-time updates.
Spell might be the perfect tool if you're looking to enhance your writing productivity and collaborate more effectively. It's like having a supercharged version of Word or Google Docs with AI built right in.
Reinstalling Grammarly
If all else fails, reinstalling Grammarly might be your best bet. It's the classic “have you tried turning it off and on again?” but for software. Sometimes, files get corrupted or settings get messed up, and a fresh start is what you need.
To reinstall Grammarly:
- Open the Control Panel on your computer.
- Go to "Programs and Features" or "Uninstall a program."
- Find Grammarly in the list and select "Uninstall."
- Once it's uninstalled, go to the Grammarly website and download the latest version.
- Install Grammarly and open Word to see if it's working again.
Reinstalling might seem like a hassle, but it often resolves stubborn issues and gives you a clean slate.
Final Thoughts
Troubleshooting Grammarly in Word can be frustrating, but with a little patience, you can usually get things back on track. From checking your internet to updating software, there are plenty of steps to try. And if you're looking for an alternative that offers AI-powered editing, consider giving Spell a try. We've made it easy to create, edit, and collaborate on documents in real-time, making the writing process smoother and more efficient.
