New Outlook will check your spelling before you hit send, so 'Kind regrads' can finally retire
By Brett Gavaghan, Founder of Adaptd ·
Microsoft is adding an automatic spell check before sending to new Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web, rolling out from mid-October to early December 2026.
The short version
- New Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web will be able to check your spelling automatically before an email goes out.
- Targeted Release starts mid-October 2026; worldwide general availability runs from mid-November to early December 2026.
- Each person switches it on, and it only works if your organisation allows Office Connected Experiences.
Everyone has sent a client an email with a typo in the first line, usually the one going to the person you most wanted to impress. Outlook is about to offer a second pair of eyes.
What is spell check before sending in Outlook?
Spell check before sending is a new Outlook setting that checks the spelling of every email automatically when you press send.
Until now you had to start spell check yourself for each message, which works brilliantly on the days you remember. Once the setting is on, Outlook reviews spelling each time without you asking.
Who can use it, and when?
Spell check before sending is coming to new Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web, from mid-October 2026 for Targeted Release customers.
Worldwide general availability starts in mid-November and should finish by early December 2026. It needs Office Connected Experiences turned on, so people in organisations that have switched those off won't be able to use it. Microsoft suggests admins confirm their privacy policy allows Connected Experiences and update any Outlook training notes.
Should your business turn it on?
Most small businesses should tell their team the setting exists and suggest they switch it on once it appears, especially anyone who sends quotes or proposals.
My advice: if you've turned Connected Experiences off for privacy reasons, check with whoever looks after your Microsoft 365 before changing it just for spell check. It's a small feature, but small mistakes are the ones clients remember. Spell check won't stop you replying all, mind. Software, eh?
Wondering what this means for your business?
That's exactly what the discovery call is for.