New Outlook AutoCorrect and Auto Capitalization: Where editor settings moved

When you switch from classic Outlook to the new Outlook for Windows, the AutoCorrect and Auto Capitalization settings are no longer in the same place. In classic Outlook, these options lived inside File > Options > Mail > Spelling and AutoCorrect. In new Outlook, they were moved to a different part of the app. This article explains exactly where the settings are now, how to change them, and what to do if the options appear missing or grayed out.

The new Outlook uses the Microsoft Editor pane instead of the old dialog-based system. AutoCorrect and Auto Capitalization are now located under the Editor pane or within the general Outlook settings, depending on your version. The change affects how you turn off automatic capitalization, manage the AutoCorrect list, and control spelling behavior.

This article covers the exact menu path to find AutoCorrect and Auto Capitalization in new Outlook, shows how to disable each feature, and lists common issues users encounter after the settings moved.

Why AutoCorrect and Auto Capitalization Settings Moved in New Outlook

New Outlook is built on a web-based platform that uses the Microsoft Editor service for spelling, grammar, and auto-correction. The classic Outlook stored AutoCorrect settings in a local registry and in the NormalEmail.dotm template. New Outlook stores these settings in the cloud through your Microsoft 365 profile. This architectural change required Microsoft to move the settings out of the File > Options dialog and into the Editor pane or the Settings panel.

The AutoCorrect feature in new Outlook still corrects common typos like changing “teh” to “the” and capitalizes the first letter of sentences. The Auto Capitalization feature specifically controls whether the first word of each sentence is automatically capitalized. Both features now rely on the Editor pane’s AutoCorrect tab rather than the old Spelling and AutoCorrect dialog.

Some users also notice that the AutoCorrect list from classic Outlook does not transfer to new Outlook. Each app maintains its own list. You must re-enter any custom replacements in new Outlook if you need them.

Steps to Find and Change AutoCorrect and Auto Capitalization in New Outlook

The steps below apply to the new Outlook for Windows version 1.2024 and later. If you use an earlier build, the path may differ slightly. Check your Outlook version by clicking File > Office Account > About Outlook.

1. Open Outlook Settings
   Click the gear icon in the top-right corner of the Outlook window. The Settings pane opens on the right side of the screen.
2. Go to Mail Settings
   In the Settings pane, click Mail in the left column. Then click Compose and reply in the Mail section.
3. Open Editor Options
   Scroll down to the Spelling section. Click Editor Options. The Microsoft Editor pane opens.
4. Select the AutoCorrect Tab
   In the Editor pane, click the AutoCorrect tab. You see two sections: AutoCorrect and Auto Capitalization.
5. Toggle AutoCorrect Settings
   To disable automatic capitalization, uncheck Capitalize first letter of sentences. To disable AutoCorrect entirely, uncheck Replace text as you type. Changes save automatically.
6. Edit the AutoCorrect List
   Below the Replace text as you type checkbox, click Custom AutoCorrect list. A dialog opens where you can add, edit, or remove replacement pairs. Type the word to replace in the left box and the replacement word in the right box, then click Add.

Alternative Path for Auto Capitalization in Some Builds

In some versions of new Outlook, a separate Auto Capitalization toggle exists under General settings. To check, go to Settings > General > Accessibility. Look for Auto Capitalization. If present, this toggle overrides the Editor pane setting. Turn it off if the Editor setting does not take effect.

If AutoCorrect or Auto Capitalization Settings Are Missing or Grayed Out

Users sometimes report that the AutoCorrect tab is missing from the Editor pane or that the toggles are grayed out. This usually happens because of one of the following reasons.

“Editor Options button is missing from Compose and Reply settings”

If you do not see the Editor Options button in Settings > Mail > Compose and reply, your Outlook version may be outdated. Update Outlook by clicking File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now. After the update, restart Outlook and check again. If the button is still missing, your organization may have disabled the Editor via Group Policy. Contact your IT administrator.

“AutoCorrect tab is not showing in the Editor pane”

The Editor pane shows different tabs depending on your Microsoft 365 subscription. The AutoCorrect tab is available only with Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Business Standard, Business Premium, or Enterprise plans. Free Outlook.com accounts and some education plans may not include the AutoCorrect tab. In that case, you cannot change AutoCorrect settings from within Outlook. You must use Outlook on the web (OWA) instead. In OWA, go to Settings > View all Outlook settings > Mail > Compose and reply > AutoCorrect.

“Auto Capitalization toggle does not stay disabled”

If you uncheck Capitalize first letter of sentences but the setting reverts after you close Outlook, the issue is often caused by a roaming settings conflict. New Outlook syncs settings across devices. If you have the toggle enabled on another device, it may overwrite your change. Disable the toggle on all devices. Also check the separate Auto Capitalization toggle under Settings > General > Accessibility and turn it off there as well.

Classic Outlook vs New Outlook: AutoCorrect and Auto Capitalization Settings

Item	Classic Outlook	New Outlook
Settings location	File > Options > Mail > Spelling and AutoCorrect	Settings > Mail > Compose and reply > Editor Options > AutoCorrect tab
AutoCorrect list storage	Local NormalEmail.dotm template	Cloud-based via Microsoft 365 profile
Auto Capitalization control	AutoCorrect tab in Spelling and AutoCorrect dialog	AutoCorrect tab in Editor pane plus optional toggle in Settings > General > Accessibility
Custom replacements transfer	Transfers between classic Outlook installations on same PC	Does not transfer from classic Outlook; must be re-entered
Availability	All classic Outlook versions	Requires Microsoft 365 Business or Enterprise subscription

Now you know exactly where AutoCorrect and Auto Capitalization settings moved in new Outlook. Open Settings > Mail > Compose and reply > Editor Options to find the AutoCorrect tab. If the tab is missing, check your Outlook version and subscription type. For custom replacements that did not transfer, add them manually in the Custom AutoCorrect list. Consider also reviewing the Editor pane’s other settings such as grammar and clarity checks to fine-tune your writing experience in new Outlook.