What is Word Count and How to Disable It in Word
Word Count is a feature in Microsoft Word that allows users to quickly see the total number of words in their document. While this can be helpful for writers and editors, there may be instances where you want to disable this feature, such as when you are working on a document where word count is not important.
How to Disable Word Count in Microsoft Word
To disable word count in Microsoft Word, follow these simple steps:

- Open the document in Microsoft Word.
- Click on the “Review” tab in the top menu bar.
- Click on the “Word Count” button in the Proofing group.
- Uncheck the box that says “Display word count while typing”.
Reasons to Disable Word Count
There are several reasons why you may want to disable word count in Microsoft Word:
- Word count is distracting and you would rather focus on your writing without constantly seeing the number of words.
- You are working on a document where the word count is not important, such as a creative writing piece or a design document.
- You prefer to use other tools or methods for tracking word count, such as third-party software or manual counting.
Alternatives to Word Count in Microsoft Word
If you have disabled word count in Microsoft Word but still need to track the number of words in your document, there are several alternatives you can consider:
- Use a third-party word count tool or software that allows you to easily track word count in your document.
- Manually count the words in your document by highlighting and selecting the text, then looking for the word count in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Use online word count tools that allow you to copy and paste your text for quick and easy word count.
Conclusion
While word count can be a helpful feature in Microsoft Word, there may be times when you want to disable it for various reasons. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily disable word count in Microsoft Word and find alternative methods for tracking the number of words in your document.