Microsoft Editor for Windows snags simple interface from the web

Microsoft Editor for Windows is now easier to navigate.

What you need to know

• Microsoft Editor for Windows has a simplified new look.
• The new look and features are available for the Current Channel (Preview) on Windows.
• The new interface takes inspiration from the web version of Microsoft Editor.

Microsoft Editor is a built-in assistant that helps you correct grammar and spelling in your writing. It's available within Microsoft Word, Outlook, and on some of Microsoft's services on the web. Now, Microsoft is testing a new way to interact with Editor on Word for Windows. The new look should be easier to use and cleaner than before.

The new look and features are available to Current Channel (Preview) users running version 2010 (Build 13328.20000) or later.

Here are the changes that Microsoft is introducing to Editor, as found in an Insider blog post:

• The ability to view spelling, grammar and other intelligent suggestions with one click- either left or right-click any underlined word. In addition, you can also select an underline word and then press Shift+F10 or Alt+Down to display Editor suggestions.
• Microsoft Editor  *  A dedicated and simplified view of Editor's suggestions with a flexibility to display more information if required.
• An upgraded Editor pane that allows for more contextual and accessible review experience.

Microsoft cites four key reasons for these changes in its blog post:

• Clean interface: simplifies the process of reviewing suggestions.   
• Dedicated experience: allows a quick, focused review that is free from distractions of non-Editor commands.
• Primary click-to-view experience: more common and convenient than a right-click.
• More contextual review experience in the Editor pane with suggestions appearing closer to the error in the document.

Microsoft Editor is built into Microsoft Word. You can also download it for Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. You need a Microsoft 365 subscription for premium features and to use it on Word on PCs.

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Microsoft Editor checks your writing for spelling and grammatical errors. It also has advanced grammar and style suggestions if you have a Microsoft 365 account.