How to Fix Word Track Changes Not Displaying Deleted Text
Question details
The user needs to make deleted text visible while using the Track Changes feature in Microsoft Word.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Editing and reviewing a document with Track Changes enabled.
- Observed behavior
- Deleted text is recorded by the software but does not appear in the main document, Reviewing pane, or revision balloons.
Ensure that you are viewing the document in the 'Review' tab and check if the issue occurs in a single document or across all new documents.
Adjust Balloon and Advanced Markup Settings
Change the Show Markup settings to ensure revisions and deletions are configured to display in balloons or inline text.
In many cases, Word records deleted text accurately but hides it from view based on the current markup display preferences. Adjusting these settings restores visibility.
Navigate to the 'Review' tab on the ribbon. Click on 'Show Markup', select 'Balloons', and click 'Show Revisions in Balloons'.
Still on the 'Review' tab, locate the 'Tracking' group. Click the dialog box launcher (the small arrow in the lower-right corner of the group), or click 'Track Changes' and select 'Advanced Track Changes Options'.
In the Advanced Track Changes Options dialog box, locate the 'Deletions' setting. Ensure it is set to display as 'Strikethrough' or 'Balloons' depending on your preference, then click 'OK' to save the changes.
Easily Track and View Changes with WPS Writer
If Microsoft Word's markup settings are too confusing or not functioning properly, you can seamlessly open your document in WPS Writer. WPS Office provides an intuitive and fully compatible Track Changes feature to help you review deletions and edits effortlessly.
- 1. Open the document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word document that contains the hidden tracked changes.
- 2. Access the Review tab: Click on the 'Review' tab located at the top of the interface to access the document collaboration tools.
- 3. Enable and configure Track Changes: Click the 'Track Changes' button to manage edits. To ensure deleted text is visible, click 'Markup' and check your preferred display options.
- 4. Review edits in the revision pane: Click on 'Reviewing Pane' in the ribbon. This opens a dedicated sidebar that clearly lists every insertion and deletion, ensuring nothing is missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my tracked changes suddenly disappear in Word?
Your tracked changes might be hidden if the 'Display for Review' drop-down in the Tracking group is set to 'No Markup' or 'Original'. Change it to 'All Markup' to make all edits and deletions visible again.
Can I show deleted text inline instead of in balloons?
Yes. Go to the Review tab, click Show Markup > Balloons, and select 'Show All Revisions Inline'. Your deleted text will then appear crossed out within the main paragraph text instead of floating in the side margins.
Does hiding the markup actually delete the changes?
No, hiding the markup by selecting 'No Markup' only changes how the document is displayed on your screen. The tracked changes are still saved in the file's metadata and will reappear when you select 'All Markup'.
Why does the Reviewing pane show deletions but the document does not?
This happens if your tracking settings are configured to hide deletions in the main document view while still logging them in the background. Adjusting the Advanced Track Changes Options to display deletions as strikethrough will fix the document view.
