Document Editing Problems

How to Fix Word Comments Skipped When Reviewing Tracked Changes

Phi Hung Vo Oct 23, 2026 868 views

Question details

The Next Change command skips comments instead of including them when reviewing tracked changes in a document.

How to Fix Word Comments Skipped When Reviewing Tracked Changes

Product: Microsoft Word 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Reviewing a document containing both text modifications and reviewer comments.
Observed behavior: When clicking Next Change, the system navigates through text revisions but appears to skip over existing comment bubbles.

Before you start

Before modifying your Word options, ensure that 'Comments' is checked under the 'Show Markup' dropdown on the Review tab.

Solution 1Recommended

Check Modern Comments Settings and Resolved Status

Verify if modern comments are enabled and whether the skipped comments have been marked as resolved, which removes them from the active review flow.

In Microsoft 365, the introduction of modern comments changed how feedback is navigated. If comments are marked as 'Resolved', the Next Change command will intentionally skip them.

Check Modern Comments Toggle

Navigate to File > Options > General. Scroll to the User Interface section and locate the 'Enable modern comments' checkbox. Toggle this setting and restart Word to see if classic comments resolve the navigation behavior.

Verify Comment Resolution

Manually inspect the comments in the side pane. If a comment is faded or marked as 'Resolved', it will not be picked up by the Next Change command. You must click 'Reopen' on the comment if you want it included in the review cycle.

Test the Next Change Button

Click the Next Change button again on the Review tab to test if the comment bubble and related text revision are now displayed together.

Check Modern Comments Settings and Resolved Status

Modern Comments Behavior: Disabling modern comments will require you to restart Microsoft Word for the classic interface changes to take effect.

Solution 2

Check Word Version for Known Issues

If comments are still being skipped, check your specific Microsoft 365 build version to identify potential software bugs.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Smoother Document Review Experience

If Microsoft 365's modern comments are disrupting your workflow, WPS Office offers a reliable, lightweight, and free alternative. Enjoy a familiar tracked changes and comment interface without frustrating navigation bugs, alongside complete format compatibility.

1. Download WPS Office: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and install it on your device.
2. Open Your Document: Open your existing .docx file directly in WPS Writer; your tracked changes and comments will be perfectly preserved.
3. Review Seamlessly: Navigate to the Review tab to systematically view and accept comments and changes without missing any crucial feedback.

100% compatible with Microsoft Word document formats (.docx)Classic, intuitive comment pane that won't skip your feedbackFree, lightweight, and lightning-fast installationFamiliar UI with zero learning curve for quick document reviews

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Next Change command skip comments in Word?

This commonly happens if 'Modern Comments' are enabled and the comments have been marked as resolved, or if the 'Show Markup' settings have inadvertently hidden the comments view from the document.

How can I view all comments and tracked changes simultaneously?

Go to the Review tab, click on 'Reviewing Pane', and select 'Reviewing Pane Vertical'. This will display a comprehensive sidebar containing all tracked changes and comments sequentially.

Will disabling modern comments delete my existing comments?

No, disabling modern comments via File > Options > General will only change how the comments are displayed in the interface. Your existing text and feedback will remain completely intact.

Document & File Issues