How to Enable Microsoft Word's Inclusiveness Filter

Last Updated: November 12, 2020 Tested

It can be hard to use inclusive language. Sometimes it's hard to find an alternative word, or you might automatically use a non-inclusive word without thinking about it. While unintentional, using non-inclusive language can be hurtful. Luckily, Microsoft Word has an inclusiveness filter that can help you check for non-inclusive language. It's currently disabled by default because it's still being tested by Microsoft, but you can enable it now to start using it.

Steps

1
Open Microsoft Word.
2
Click File. It's in the top left corner of the window.

Advertisement
3
Select "Options". It's near the bottom left corner of the window.
4
Select "Proofing". It's in the side bar of the options window.
5
Click Settings. The button is located next to the, "Grammar & Refinements" drop down under the, "When correcting spelling and grammar in Word" header.
6
Scroll down to the "Inclusiveness" section in the window that opens up.
7
Check all of the boxes.
8
Click OK. Then, click OK again. This will enable the inclusiveness filter. If you have an article open, then Word will automatically begin checking it.

Advertisement

Warnings

Don't rely on this filter alone to make sure you are using inclusive language. The filter could miss some things, so it's a good idea to double check what you write to make sure it is inclusive.

Thanks!
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
You need to have a Microsoft 365 subscription in order to use this feature. It is not available on a standalone office installation.

Thanks!
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0