SharePoint Document Issues

Fix Unable to Tag People in Word Comments on SharePoint

WPS Editor Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to use the @ mention feature to tag colleagues in comments within a Microsoft Word document hosted on SharePoint.

How to Fix Unable to Tag People in Word Comments on SharePoint

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to collaborate on a shared Word document by mentioning teammates in the comment section.
Observed behavior: When typing @ followed by a name, the suggestions panel gets stuck on 'Loading' and eventually fails, even though the feature works in other apps like Microsoft Stream.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and verify that the person you are trying to tag is currently listed in your organization's directory.

Solution 1Recommended

Switch to a Supported Browser Like Google Chrome

Safari can sometimes block background scripts required by Word Online. Switching to Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge bypasses these compatibility issues.

Web-based versions of Microsoft Office rely on specific browser scripts to fetch directory data. Safari's strict privacy or tracking prevention features can occasionally cause the tagging function to freeze on 'Loading'.

Close the current session

Save any unsaved changes in your Word document and close the Safari browser.

Open a supported browser

Launch Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge on your computer.

Access SharePoint

Navigate to your SharePoint site, log in, and reopen the Word document.

Attempt tagging again

Highlight the text, click 'New Comment', and type @ followed by the person's name to see if the directory loads properly.

Switch to a Supported Browser Like Google Chrome

Browser Compatibility: Using Chrome or Edge is highly recommended for the most stable experience with Microsoft 365 web applications.

Solution 2

Verify Document Permissions for the Tagged User

SharePoint restricts tagging in comments to users who actually have permission to view or edit the document.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does tagging work in Microsoft Stream but not in Word on SharePoint?

Different Microsoft web applications utilize distinct background processes and APIs. A browser's privacy settings or tracking prevention (like in Safari) might block the specific scripts required by Word Online to fetch user directories, while allowing Stream's scripts to pass through.

What happens when I successfully tag someone in a Word document comment?

Once tagged successfully, the user will receive an automated email notification containing a link directly to the document and a preview of your comment, allowing them to jump straight into the context.

Can I tag external users in a SharePoint Word document?

Yes, but only if guest sharing is enabled for your specific SharePoint site by your IT administrator, and the external user has been added to your organization's directory as an official guest.

Document & File Issues