How to Change Your Name in Word Document Comments

To change the name shown on Word document comments, update your user name under File → Options → General (or Word → Preferences on Mac), then add new comments. Existing comments keep the original author name—change them only by re-authoring or using document inspection tools in advanced workflows.

Key Takeaways

• New comments use the name from File → Options → General → User name.
• Existing comment author names are stored in the file and do not auto-update.
• On Mac: Word → Preferences → User Information.
• WPS Writer uses its own account/profile name for new comments.

Change the Author Name for New Comments (Windows)

1. Click File → Options.
2. Open the General tab.
3. Update User name and Initials.
4. Click OK—new comments will show the updated name.

Change the Author Name on Mac

1. Open Word → Preferences (or Settings).
2. Go to User Information.
3. Enter the new Name and Initials.

Change Name in WPS Writer Comments

1. Sign in to your WPS account or open application settings.
2. Update the display name in profile or local user settings.
3. New comments in WPS Writer will use the updated name on supported builds.

Files shared with Word users should still open with correct .docx comment metadata.

Can You Rename Existing Comments?

Microsoft Word does not offer a one-click rename for old comment authors. Existing balloons keep the name that was active when each comment was created. Options include deleting and re-adding comments under the new name, or using enterprise document cleanup tools. For most users, updating User name before the next review round is enough.