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Fix 'Mention Was Removed' Error in PowerPoint for the Web Comments
Question details
The user encounters an issue where tagging someone in a presentation comment results in a 'mention was removed' message, alongside unexpected changes to the Author field.
- Product
- PowerPoint for the web
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Tagging colleagues in presentation comments for collaboration using the web browser version of PowerPoint.
- Observed behavior
- Instead of successfully tagging a user, the system drops the tag, displays a 'mention was removed' warning, and alters the Author field. This behavior specifically appears in files originally created in the desktop application.
Verify that you are signed into the correct Microsoft account with proper editing and sharing permissions for the presentation.
Test with a Newly Created Web Presentation
Determine if the bug is isolated to files created on the desktop application by testing a fresh web file.
This issue is often a compatibility or syncing glitch between desktop-created PowerPoint files (.pptx) and the web interface. Creating a file directly on the web can confirm if the environment itself is functioning normally.
Navigate to Office.com in your browser and log into PowerPoint online.
Click on 'New blank presentation' to start a fresh file native to the web platform.
Navigate to Review > New Comment, type '@' followed by a colleague's name, and see if the tag successfully posts without the error.
Clear Browser Data and Re-authenticate
Rule out browser cache conflicts or account privacy restrictions causing the tagging feature to fail.
Report the Desktop File Bug to Microsoft
Since the issue pertains specifically to desktop-created files being edited on the web, reporting it directly escalates the bug for a patch.
Use WPS Presentation for Seamless Collaboration
Avoid syncing errors and web-to-desktop compatibility issues by switching to WPS Office. It offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft PowerPoint with robust commenting and sharing features.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free desktop application for your operating system.
- 2. Open your Presentation: Launch WPS Presentation and open your existing .pptx file without worrying about formatting loss.
- 3. Collaborate Seamlessly: Use the Review tab to add comments, tag users, and collaborate without facing the 'mention removed' errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does PowerPoint say 'mention was removed' in my comments?
This usually happens due to a syncing or compatibility glitch between files originally created in the desktop version of PowerPoint and the PowerPoint for the web interface. The web version struggles to resolve the user tag linked to the desktop file's author metadata.
Does clearing browser cache fix the PowerPoint mention error?
While clearing cookies and cache is a standard troubleshooting step for web apps, it frequently does not resolve this specific issue if the root cause is tied to a file originally generated on the desktop app.
How do I correctly tag someone in a PowerPoint comment?
To tag someone, open the comment pane, type '@' followed by their name or email address, and select their profile from the dropdown list. Ensure they have appropriate permissions to view the file.
Can I avoid this error by creating the file directly on the web?
Yes. Testing shows that presentations newly created natively within PowerPoint for the web typically do not experience this tagging error. Copying your slides into a newly created web file may serve as a workaround.
