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Fix Missing Track Changes and Comments in Word Attachments
Question details
Users are unable to see the tracked changes or comments made by a colleague when reviewing a returned Word document attachment.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Reviewing a Word document returned by a colleague via email attachment.
- Observed behavior
- The original local document does not automatically update to show the tracked changes or comments made in the emailed copy, making it seem like the changes are missing.
Ensure you are opening the exact attachment sent back by your collaborator from your email client, rather than opening the original file stored on your local drive.
Display Markup and Reviewers in the Returned Attachment
Ensure you have opened the correct returned file and that Word is configured to display all markup and reviewers.
When a document is sent as an email attachment, it creates a separate, independent copy of the file. Changes made by the recipient will only exist in the version they send back to you. You must open their specific attachment and enable the correct markup settings to see their edits.
Download and open the document attachment returned by the other person directly from your email client, avoiding your original local file.
Click on the 'Review' tab located in the top ribbon menu of Microsoft Word.
Click on 'Tracking' or 'Markup Options' in the ribbon. Select 'All Markup' to ensure all edits are visible.
Open the 'Reviewers' submenu within the Markup Options and select 'All' to display comments and tracked changes from everyone who edited the document.
Combine Changes from Multiple Copies
If you need to merge the tracked changes from the emailed attachment into your original master document, use Word's built-in Compare feature.
Use Cloud Storage for Ongoing Collaboration
Prevent file duplication and lost comments by using a shared virtual space instead of sending traditional email attachments.
Seamlessly Track Changes and Collaborate with WPS Office
If managing document versions and email attachments is slowing down your workflow, WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Word. Enjoy intuitive collaboration, easy comment management, and full compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and install it on your device.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your .docx file to view all existing formatting, tracked changes, and comments.
- 3. Use Cloud Collaboration: Upload your file to WPS Cloud and share the collaboration link with your team to edit in real time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do comments disappear when I send a Word document as an email attachment?
The comments do not actually disappear. When you send an attachment, you are creating a separate copy of the file. If your colleague adds comments to that copy and sends it back, those comments only exist in their returned file, not in your original local document.
How can I ensure everyone is editing the same Word document?
To avoid creating isolated copies through email attachments, save your document to a cloud storage service like OneDrive, SharePoint, or WPS Cloud, and share the link with your collaborators. This allows everyone to work on the exact same file simultaneously.
Can I merge comments from multiple returned email attachments into one document?
Yes. You can use the 'Compare' or 'Combine' feature found under the Review tab to merge revisions and comments from multiple returned documents into a single, unified master file.
