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Fix Missing Commenter Names and Timestamps in Word Tracked Changes
Question details
User needs to restore the display of commenter names, dates, and timestamps on tracked changes in Microsoft Word.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Reviewing and collaborating on a document with Track Changes enabled.
- Observed behavior
- Tracked changes do not show the reviewer's name or the timestamp of the edit, even though 'All Markup' is enabled. The issue began after a recent Microsoft 365 or Office update.
Ensure your document is saved and verify your internet connection is active so your Office suite can successfully check for and download the latest software patches.
Install the Latest Microsoft 365 or Office Updates
Updating Microsoft Office is the most effective way to resolve missing names and timestamps caused by known software bugs introduced in previous patches.
Microsoft frequently releases updates to fix known issues, including interface glitches affecting Track Changes.
Launch Microsoft Word, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Account' at the bottom of the left-hand menu.
Click on 'Update Options' next to the Office Updates section, and select 'Update Now' from the drop-down menu.
Once the updates are downloaded and installed, close and restart Microsoft Word, then open your document to test Track Changes.
Verify Show Markup Settings
Ensure that your markup settings are correctly configured to display all reviewer details and editing types.
Submit Feedback to Report the Bug
If updating does not work, reporting the issue directly to Microsoft helps prioritize a fix for this specific update bug.
Use WPS Office to Reliably Track Document Changes
If recent Microsoft Word updates are disrupting your workflow by hiding critical track changes data, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides robust, bug-free document collaboration tools and is fully compatible with your existing Microsoft formats.
- 1. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx file directly.
- 2. Enable Track Changes: Navigate to the 'Review' tab and click the 'Track Changes' button.
- 3. View Edits Reliably: Review your document with accurate commenter names, dates, and exact timestamps displayed seamlessly in the markup area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my track changes suddenly lose names and dates?
This issue is frequently caused by a software bug introduced in a recent Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 update. Installing the newest patch typically resolves the missing information.
Does saving a Word document remove reviewer names?
By default, saving does not remove names. However, if the 'Remove personal information from file properties on save' option is enabled in Word's Trust Center settings, all reviewer names will be stripped and replaced with the generic word 'Author'.
How can I see who made a change if the name is missing?
If tracked changes are missing names due to a software bug, checking the 'Comments' pane or viewing the document's 'Version History' might still display the correct author information.
