Formatting Issues

Fix Word Showing Red Markups but No Tracked Changes

Adam Davis Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user sees red markup text in a Word document, but the system reports no tracked changes are present when attempting to accept them.

How to Fix Word Showing Red Markups but No Tracked Changes

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Trying to accept or clear document revisions, but the system does not recognize the visible markups as tracked changes.
Observed behavior: Red text, underlines, and strikethroughs are visible on the page, but clicking Accept in the Review tab yields a 'no tracked changes' message.

Before you start

Save a backup copy of your document before using the Document Inspector or bulk-removing formatting, as permanently removing hidden information cannot always be undone.

Solution 1Recommended

Remove Direct Character Formatting

Use this solution if the red markups are actually just text manually formatted with underlines, strikethroughs, or red font color rather than actual tracked revisions.

Often, text is manually styled to look like a tracked change, which causes Word's Review tools to ignore it. Clearing this direct formatting will remove the fake markups.

Verify tracked changes

Go to the 'Review' tab on the ribbon and use the 'Next' and 'Previous' buttons in the Changes group to verify if Word recognizes any genuine tracked changes.

Clear direct formatting

If no genuine changes are found, select the text displaying the markups (or press Ctrl+A to select the entire document) and press Ctrl+Spacebar to remove direct character formatting.

Remove manual strikethroughs

If strikethrough text remains, press Ctrl+H to open Find and Replace. Search for strikethrough formatting and replace it with nothing to delete it from the document.

Solution 2

Inspect Document for Hidden Revisions

Use the Document Inspector to find and permanently remove hidden revisions or comments that might be causing phantom markups to appear.

Solution 3

Check and Disable Editing Restrictions

Restricted editing might freeze markups in place, preventing you from accepting, rejecting, or modifying them.

Manage Document Revisions in WPS Office

Easily Clear Formatting and Manage Tracked Changes in WPS Writer

You can easily handle stuck markups, accept or reject changes, and clear direct formatting using WPS Writer, a highly compatible and free alternative to Microsoft Word.

1. Open the Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your problematic Word document.
2. Check Track Changes: Navigate to the 'Review' tab and ensure you have properly reviewed any pending tracked changes using the Accept/Reject buttons.
3. Clear Direct Formatting: Highlight the text with the stubborn red markups, go to the 'Home' tab, and click the 'Clear Formatting' icon to remove manual underlines or font colors.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word .docx formats.Intuitive Track Changes and Review tools for seamless collaboration.One-click 'Clear Formatting' feature to instantly remove fake markups.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my document have red text even with Track Changes turned off?

If Track Changes is currently turned off and there are no pending revisions, the red text is likely direct font formatting (such as red font color, underlines, and strikethroughs) applied manually rather than actual document revisions.

How can I quickly remove all manual strikethroughs in my document?

You can use the Find and Replace feature. Press Ctrl+H, click 'More', go to 'Format' > 'Font', select the Strikethrough effect for the 'Find what' field, leave 'Replace with' completely empty, and click 'Replace All'.

Will the Document Inspector delete my comments?

Yes. If you run the Document Inspector and click 'Remove All' next to 'Comments, Revisions, and Versions', it will permanently delete all comments and tracked changes in the document.

Document & File Issues