SharePoint Document Issues

Fix Word Track Changes and Lock Settings Lost After SharePoint Upload

Algirdas Jasaitis Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users need to retain their Track Changes and Lock Tracking password settings when uploading Word documents to a SharePoint library, as these settings appear to be removed once uploaded.

How to Fix Word Track Changes and Lock Settings Lost After SharePoint Upload

Product: Microsoft Word, SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Uploading a password-locked Word document with Track Changes enabled to a SharePoint document library for team collaboration.
Observed behavior: After uploading, the Track Changes feature becomes disabled and the password lock is bypassed, allowing users to edit the document without tracking changes.

Before you start

Ensure you have the desktop version of Microsoft Word installed on your computer, as Word for the web has limitations regarding advanced document protection features.

Solution 1Recommended

Open the SharePoint Document in the Desktop Word Application

Because Word for the web does not fully support advanced lock tracking, you must open the document in the desktop application to retain and enforce these settings.

When you upload a document to SharePoint, it typically defaults to opening in Word for the web. This online version lacks support for certain advanced review and protection features, causing the Track Changes lock to appear disabled. The settings are usually still embedded in the file and will function correctly when opened locally.

Locate your document

Access the file menu

Hover your mouse over the document name and click the three-dot (Show actions) menu icon next to it.

Open in desktop app

Select 'Open' from the dropdown menu, and then choose 'Open in app' to launch the desktop version of Microsoft Word.

Verify tracking settings

Once the document opens in desktop Word, navigate to the Review tab and verify that Track Changes and the Lock Tracking password are now correctly applied.

Open the SharePoint Document in the Desktop Word Application

Desktop Features Preserved: By forcing the document to open in the desktop application, all advanced review and protection features, including locked tracking, are successfully enforced.

Solution 2

Verify File Format and Update Office

Outdated software or incorrect file extensions can cause synchronization issues with SharePoint and document protection.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Reliable Document Collaboration with WPS Office

Tired of advanced formatting and track changes breaking in online editors? WPS Office is a free, highly compatible Microsoft Office alternative. It offers powerful, desktop-level document protection, reliable track changes, and a familiar user interface without the syncing headaches.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download and install WPS Office for free.
2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your .docx file directly to review track changes.
3. Use Advanced Review Tools: Navigate to the Review tab to easily manage track changes, lock settings, and collaborate safely.

Excellent compatibility with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsRobust built-in Track Changes and document lock protectionFree, lightweight, and fast to installFamiliar user interface for a seamless migration

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Lock Tracking settings disappear in SharePoint?

When a document is opened in Word for the web via SharePoint, advanced features like Lock Tracking are not fully supported. The settings are not permanently deleted from the file, but they are inactive and easily bypassed within the web browser interface.

Can I force SharePoint to always open documents in the desktop app?

Yes. Site administrators can go to Library Settings > Advanced Settings and change the 'Opening Documents in the Browser' default behavior to 'Open in the client application'. This ensures Track Changes locks remain active for all users.

Does saving as a different file format help retain track changes?

You should always use the standard .docx format for the best compatibility with modern SharePoint libraries and tracking features. Older formats like .doc or alternative extensions may permanently lose advanced protection features during upload.

Document & File Issues