Word prediction is a widely used assistive technology that benefits not only mainstream technology users, but also those individuals who struggle with typing or writing. For individuals with mobility challenges, word prediction technology means that instead of typing an entire word, users can type a couple letters, and have the complete word predicted for them, making the writing process less physically demanding and more efficient. For individuals with writing challenges, word prediction helps to focus on the idea rather than the word that’s used to express an idea. Word prediction can also be useful as means of acquiring a broader vocabulary, especially among younger students, who typically avoid words that aren’t easily spelled.
In this short how-to, we’ll teach Windows users how to enable word/text prediction. The process is very straightforward, and within a few clicks, word prediction can be enabled across the entire Windows operating system.
1. Click on the Windows Icon on the bottom left corner of the screen.
2. Click on the gear (Settings) icon.
3. Within the Settings window, select Devices.
4. From the left navigation pane, select Typing.
5. Toggle (turn on) the following options:
a. Show text suggestions as I type on the Software keyboard.
b. Show text suggestions as I type for the Hardware keyboard.
After completing the steps above, text prediction will be enabled within all compatible applications including (but not limited to) Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Chrome, Edge, File Explorer, and WordPad. To disable text prediction, follow steps 1-4, then toggle (turn off) the options shown in step 5.
Note: Depending on the app and the context, text prediction may be overridden by a built-in text /word prediction or search system. For example, when using an internet browser, typing text into the URL/address bar will NOT trigger text prediction, however, typing a message via Facebook Messenger WILL trigger text prediction.
