Document Editing Problems

How to Copy Word Text with Tracked Changes and Comments

Jason Miller Oct 16, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user needs a reliable method to copy text along with its tracked changes, comments, and deletions from one Microsoft Word document to another without locking the original text.

How to Copy Word Text with Tracked Changes and Comments

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Transferring reviewed or heavily edited content between different Microsoft 365 Word documents while preserving all markup.
Observed behavior: Copying tracked changes and comments does not work consistently. Sometimes comments are lost, and altering Track Changes settings can inadvertently lock the original text from further editing.

Before you start

Ensure that neither the source nor the destination document has restricted editing or document protection enabled, as this can prevent pasting tracked changes entirely or unexpectedly lock your text.

Solution 1Recommended

Turn Off Track Changes in Both Documents

The most reliable way to copy text containing tracked changes is to temporarily disable the tracking feature in both the source and destination files before copying.

Microsoft Word handles clipboard data differently depending on the active state of Track Changes. If the feature is enabled in either document during the transfer, Word assumes you are making new edits rather than moving existing ones. Turning it off stops the recording of the copy-paste action and preserves the original markup.

Disable tracking in the source

Open the source document, go to the 'Review' tab on the ribbon, and click the 'Track Changes' button so that it is no longer highlighted.

Copy the text

Highlight the text containing the tracked changes, comments, and deletions, then press Ctrl+C (or right-click and select Copy).

Disable tracking in the destination

Open your destination document, navigate to the 'Review' tab, and ensure 'Track Changes' is also turned off.

Paste the content

Place your cursor at the desired location in the destination document and press Ctrl+V (or right-click and select Keep Source Formatting to paste).

Turn Off Track Changes in Both Documents

Important: Turning off Track Changes does not remove or accept the existing tracked edits; it simply stops Word from recording the copy and paste actions as new modifications.

Solution 2

Verify and Disable Document Protection

If your pasted text becomes locked or you are unable to paste edits properly, the document might have restricted editing enabled.

Seamless Document Editing

Use WPS Writer to Manage Tracked Changes Seamlessly

WPS Writer offers an intuitive interface and robust review tools that make copying text with tracked changes and comments straightforward and frustration-free.

1. Open your documents: Launch WPS Office and open both the source document and the destination document in WPS Writer.
2. Toggle off Track Changes: Navigate to the 'Review' tab in both documents and click the 'Track Changes' button to ensure the feature is turned off.
3. Copy and Paste: Highlight the reviewed text in the source file, press Ctrl+C to copy, switch to the destination file, and press Ctrl+V to paste the text with all comments and edits intact.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsIntuitive Track Changes and Review management toolsPrevents unexpected text locking when copying and pastingFree, lightweight, and fast alternative for document editing

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do comments disappear when I paste text into a new document?

This typically occurs if Track Changes is enabled in the destination document when you paste. Word treats the paste as a new insertion rather than importing the old edits. To fix this, turn off Track Changes in the destination document before pasting.

Why did my copied text become locked for editing in the original document?

The source or destination document likely has 'Restrict Editing' or form protection turned on. You must disable this by going to the Review tab, clicking 'Restrict Editing', and selecting 'Stop Protection' at the bottom of the pane.

Can I copy a tracked deletion so it still shows as a deletion in the new document?

Yes. As long as the Track Changes feature is completely turned off in both the source and destination documents during the copy-paste action, the tracked deletions will carry over and display correctly as crossed-out deleted text.

Document & File Issues