Word automatically capitalizes the first letter of every sentence by default. This feature, called AutoCorrect, is designed to speed up typing but can be frustrating when you need lowercase letters at the start of sentences. For example, you might be writing a list of commands, a poem, or a product name that starts with a lowercase letter. This article explains how to turn off auto-capitalization in Word for Windows and macOS, including both permanent and temporary methods.
Key Takeaways: Disable Auto-Capitalization in Word
- File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options > uncheck Capitalize first letter of sentences: Permanently turns off auto-capitalization for all new documents.
- Pressing Ctrl+Z immediately after auto-capitalization: Reverses the capital letter for the current instance only without changing settings.
- Word > Preferences > AutoCorrect on macOS: Same toggle location for Mac users to disable the feature globally.
How Auto-Capitalization Works in Word
Auto-capitalization is part of Word’s AutoCorrect feature. When you type a period, question mark, or exclamation point and then press the spacebar, Word detects the end of a sentence. It then changes the next letter you type to uppercase. This behavior is controlled by a single checkbox in the AutoCorrect settings. The setting applies to all documents you create or edit in Word unless you change it per document using the Undo method. No additional add-ins or templates are required to modify this setting. The feature is enabled by default in every fresh installation of Word.
Steps to Disable Auto-Capitalization Permanently
Follow these steps to turn off the automatic capitalization of the first letter of sentences for all current and future documents.
- Open Word Options
Click the File tab in the top-left corner. Then click Options at the bottom of the left pane. The Word Options dialog box opens. - Go to Proofing Settings
In the Word Options dialog, click Proofing in the left column. Under the AutoCorrect options section, click the AutoCorrect Options button. The AutoCorrect dialog opens. - Uncheck Capitalize First Letter
On the AutoCorrect tab, look for the checkbox labeled Capitalize first letter of sentences. Uncheck this box. Leave all other checkboxes as they are unless you want to disable additional AutoCorrect rules. - Save and Close
Click OK to close the AutoCorrect dialog. Then click OK to close Word Options. The change takes effect immediately for the current document and all new documents.
Disable Auto-Capitalization on macOS
- Open Word Preferences
Click the Word menu in the top menu bar. Select Preferences from the dropdown. - Find AutoCorrect
In the Word Preferences window, click the AutoCorrect icon under Authoring and Proofing Tools. - Uncheck the Option
Uncheck Capitalize first letter of sentences. Close the window. No restart is needed.
How to Temporarily Stop Auto-Capitalization for One Sentence
If you only need lowercase for a single instance and want to keep auto-capitalization on for everything else, use the Undo method. This works instantly and does not change your settings.
- Type the Word With Lowercase
Type the word you want to start with a lowercase letter. Word will automatically change the first letter to uppercase. - Press Ctrl+Z Immediately
Press Ctrl+Z on Windows or Command+Z on macOS right after the auto-capitalization happens. The letter reverts to lowercase. You can continue typing the rest of the sentence normally.
If Auto-Capitalization Still Happens After Disabling It
In rare cases, the setting may not stick or Word may still capitalize the first letter. Below are the most common reasons and how to fix them.
AutoCorrect Is Set Per Document Instead of Globally
The AutoCorrect setting in Word Options applies globally. However, if you have a corrupted Normal.dotm template, the change may not save. To reset the template, close Word, navigate to %appdata%\Microsoft\Templates in File Explorer, rename Normal.dotm to Normal.old, and restart Word. A fresh template is created with default settings, and you can then disable auto-capitalization again.
Another Keyboard or Language Setting Overrides AutoCorrect
If you use multiple keyboard layouts or proofing languages, each language has its own AutoCorrect settings. Switch to the language you are typing in, then repeat the steps to disable auto-capitalization. Check both the default input language and the proofing language in Review > Language > Set Proofing Language.
Add-In Interference
Third-party add-ins can override AutoCorrect behavior. To test, start Word in Safe Mode by holding the Ctrl key while launching Word. If auto-capitalization stops, disable add-ins one by one under File > Options > Add-ins.
Word Online vs Desktop: Auto-Capitalization Behavior Differences
| Item | Word for Windows / macOS | Word for the Web |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-capitalization setting location | File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options | No direct setting; uses browser or device autocorrect |
| Permanent disable | Yes, via the checkbox | Not possible within Word Online; must disable browser autocorrect |
| Undo method (Ctrl+Z) | Works instantly | Works instantly |
| Applies to new documents | Yes | N/A (no persistent setting) |
Auto-capitalization is a convenience feature, but knowing how to disable it gives you full control over your text formatting. Use the permanent method in File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options for ongoing projects. Use Ctrl+Z for quick one-off corrections. If you work in Word Online, remember that you must adjust your browser’s autocorrect settings instead.