Microsoft Word includes an aggressive AutoCorrect feature that assumes every new line of text must be the start of a traditional sentence. If you are typing a list of lowercase code snippets, specific scientific abbreviations, or simply prefer a stylized lowercase aesthetic, having Word instantly change your first letter to a capital can be incredibly frustrating. Fortunately, you can disable this specific AutoCorrect rule permanently.
How to Turn Off Auto-Capitalization
You can change this setting deep within the core application options.
- Open Microsoft Word. If you are on the Home screen, click on Options at the very bottom of the left-hand sidebar. (If you already have a document open, click File in the top-left corner, then click Options at the bottom).
- A new “Word Options” window will appear. Click on Proofing in the left sidebar.
- At the top of the Proofing menu, under the “AutoCorrect options” section, click the button labeled AutoCorrect Options…
- Another dialogue box will pop up. Ensure you are on the AutoCorrect tab.
- Look down the list of checkboxes until you find the one labeled Capitalize first letter of sentences.
- Uncheck this box.
- (Optional) If you also type lists and do not want Word capitalizing the first word after a bullet point, uncheck the box labeled Capitalize first letter of table cells and Capitalize first letter if sentences (some versions separate lists into their own checkbox).
- Click OK to close the AutoCorrect box, and click OK again to close the Word Options window.
From this point forward, Microsoft Word will respect your exact keystrokes. If you type a lowercase letter after a period or on a brand new line, it will remain lowercase until you manually hold the Shift key.