'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Fix Word Switching to Viewing Mode When Tracking Changes
Question details
The user wants to resolve an issue where enabling Track Changes in Microsoft Word forces the document into Viewing mode, thereby disabling the Track Changes command.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to enable the Track Changes feature in a document that was previously configured to 'Always Open Read-Only'.
- Observed behavior
- Word unexpectedly switches from Editing mode to Viewing mode immediately after Track Changes is selected, preventing the user from editing the document.
Verify that you have full editing permissions for the document and ensure it is not currently locked or being edited by another user on a shared network.
Remove Read-Only Protection and Reopen the Document
This resolves a known software bug where residual 'Always Open Read-Only' settings interfere with the Track Changes function.
Microsoft Word for Windows has a known bug related to document protection. Even after you switch to Editing mode, the underlying 'Always Open Read-Only' setting forces the software back into Viewing mode when Track Changes is activated. To fix this, you must permanently strip the read-only setting from the file.
Click on File > Info > Protect Document. If 'Always Open Read-Only' is highlighted, click it once to toggle the setting off.
Click File > Save (or press Ctrl+S) to save the document without the read-only protection.
Close the document completely. Reopen the file, ensure you are in Editing mode, and click on Review > Track Changes. The command should now work normally.
Save the Document as a New File
If simply removing the protection doesn't work, saving a fresh copy can eliminate any hidden background settings causing the bug.
Edit and Track Changes Seamlessly with WPS Office
If Microsoft Word's read-only bug continues to disrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It's a free, lightweight alternative that handles document editing and formatting flawlessly without unnecessary mode-switching errors.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your PC.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx file directly.
- 3. Enable Track Changes: Go to the Review tab and click 'Track Changes' to start editing your document immediately without interruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Word document say Viewing instead of Editing?
Your document might be restricted by the 'Always Open Read-Only' setting, protected by the original author, or opened from an unsafe internet location triggering Protected View. You typically need to click 'Enable Editing' in the yellow banner or remove document protection via File > Info to proceed.
How do I turn off Viewing mode in Word?
Click on the 'Viewing' button in the ribbon (usually located on the View tab or at the top right of the Word window) and select 'Editing' from the drop-down menu. If the option is greyed out, you may need to save a local copy of the document first.
Can I track changes in a read-only document?
No, you cannot track changes or make any text modifications to a document while it is in read-only mode. You must remove the read-only restriction, save the file, and switch to Editing mode before enabling the Track Changes feature.
