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Fix Show Comments Grayed Out in Word Track Changes
Question details
The user is unable to click the Show Comments command while using Track Changes with Full Markup.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Reviewing a document with Track Changes enabled and attempting to view comments in the margins.
- Observed behavior
- The Show Comments option is grayed out and unavailable, preventing the user from viewing comments normally.
Ensure that your document actually contains comments and that you are in the Review tab before adjusting your markup and track changes settings.
Adjust Balloon Settings in Markup Options
Change how revisions are displayed so that comments can appear in the margins rather than inline.
If Word is set to show all revisions inline, the margin balloons are disabled, which can cause comment visibility issues or gray out comment toggles.
Open your document and click on the Review tab located on the top ribbon.
In the Tracking group, click on the Show Markup drop-down menu.
Hover over Balloons and ensure that 'Show All Revisions Inline' is NOT selected. Instead, click on 'Show Revisions in Balloons' or 'Show Only Comments and Formatting in Balloons'.
Verify Modern Comments Settings
The Show Comments button specifically controls modern comments and may be inactive if legacy comments are being used.
Use the Reviewing Pane (Mac Workaround)
In certain versions of Word for Mac, comments may only be viewable in the reviewing pane rather than the right margin.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless Document Review Experience
If you are struggling with Microsoft Word's complicated track changes and grayed-out comment buttons, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. Its intuitive interface makes document collaboration, reviewing, and commenting straightforward without confusing legacy or modern settings.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your device.
- 2. Open Your Document: Open your .docx file directly in WPS Writer without losing any formatting or previous comments.
- 3. View Comments Easily: Navigate to the Review tab and click 'Insert Comment' or view existing feedback effortlessly in the side margins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can I only see comments in the Reviewing Pane on my Mac?
In some recent versions of Word for Mac, a bug or design change forces comments into the left Reviewing Pane instead of the right margin. Using the Reviewing Pane ensures you don't miss any critical feedback until the display issue is patched.
What is the difference between modern and legacy comments in Word?
Modern comments allow for contextual conversations and @mentions, appearing in a dedicated list or floating alongside the text. Legacy comments are the older style of notes that appear in document balloons. The 'Show Comments' ribbon button primarily toggles the modern comment interface.
Does Track Changes need to be turned on to see comments?
No, you can view comments regardless of whether Track Changes is active. However, your markup view settings (like selecting 'No Markup') can hide comments from the screen. Ensure your view is set to 'All Markup' or 'Simple Markup' in the Review tab.
