Fix Word Compare Not Displaying Deleted Text as Tracked Changes
Question details
The user needs deleted text to display as tracked changes when comparing a document containing tracked deletions with its original version.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Comparing a modified document that already contains active tracked deletions against the original document.
- Observed behavior
- Word removes the deleted text entirely from the comparison output instead of displaying it as crossed-out tracked changes.
Verify whether the revised document contains unresolved tracked changes, as active revisions can alter how Word handles the comparison process.
Use the Combine Feature Instead of Compare
Combining documents handles active tracked changes better than the standard Compare tool, making it ideal for merging revisions while keeping deleted text visible.
When a document already contains active tracked changes, the standard 'Compare' function may automatically accept those changes during processing, causing deleted text to disappear. The 'Combine' feature is specifically designed to merge multiple authors' revisions and preserves tracked deletions much more accurately.
Launch Microsoft Word and navigate to the 'Review' tab on the top ribbon.
Click on the 'Compare' button in the Tracking group, then select 'Combine...' from the drop-down menu instead of 'Compare...'.
In the Combine Documents dialog box, choose your Original document and your Revised document from the respective drop-down lists or browse your computer to find them.
Click 'OK' to merge the documents. The resulting file will now accurately display the eliminated text as tracked changes.
Accept or Reject Existing Tracked Changes Before Comparing
Resolving all pending tracked changes in the revised document creates a clean baseline, forcing the Compare tool to accurately detect and mark text differences.
Compare and Combine Documents Accurately with WPS Writer
WPS Writer provides an intuitive and highly accurate document comparison tool that reliably preserves tracked changes, deletions, and formatting. It helps you seamlessly merge edits from multiple versions without losing visibility on text modifications.
- 1. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open a blank document or one of the files you wish to compare.
- 2. Navigate to the Review Tab: Click on the 'Review' tab located on the top menu ribbon.
- 3. Select the Compare Tool: Click the 'Compare' button and select either 'Compare' or 'Combine' depending on your requirements.
- 4. Merge Your Documents: Choose your original and revised files in the dialog box, adjust your comparison settings, and click 'OK' to generate a file with all tracked changes perfectly preserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word automatically accept tracked changes when comparing?
When you use the standard Compare feature on documents with unresolved tracked changes, Word often accepts them by default to create a clean, static baseline for the comparison process. To prevent this, use the Combine feature instead.
What is the difference between Compare and Combine in Word?
'Compare' is meant to show the differences between two static documents by generating tracked changes. 'Combine' is specifically designed to merge revisions from multiple authors into a single document while preserving the original tracked changes.
How do I make sure tracked changes are shown in a new document?
In the Compare or Combine dialog box, click the 'More' button. Under the 'Show changes in' section, select the 'New document' radio button. This ensures your original files remain untouched and the comparison opens in a fresh window.
