SharePoint Document Issues

How to Keep Track Changes Enabled in SharePoint Word Documents

Jason Miller Oct 14, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to ensure Track Changes remains active when a Word document is shared and edited via a SharePoint link.

How to Keep Track Changes Enabled in SharePoint Word Documents

Product: Microsoft Word / SharePoint
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Saving a Word document to SharePoint and sharing it with editors using an edit link.
Observed behavior: Track Changes unexpectedly turns off after the document is saved to SharePoint and opened by other editors.

Before you start

Ensure you are using the desktop version of Microsoft Word for Windows, as Word for the Web has limited capabilities for enforcing tracking restrictions.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Lock Tracking Feature in Word for Windows

Enforce Track Changes with a password using the Restrict Editing pane to prevent other users from disabling it.

By default, anyone with editing permissions can toggle Track Changes on or off. Utilizing the Lock Tracking feature forces Track Changes to remain active for everyone who edits the document, regardless of whether they open it via SharePoint or locally.

Open Document in Desktop App

Open the affected document in the full Windows desktop version of Microsoft Word rather than the browser version.

Navigate to the Review Tab

Click on the 'Review' tab located on the top ribbon.

Enable Lock Tracking

Click the drop-down arrow next to 'Track Changes' and select 'Lock Tracking'.

Set a Password

Enter a password when prompted, confirm it, and click 'OK' to enforce tracked changes for all editors.

Use the Lock Tracking Feature in Word for Windows

Password Protection: Only users who know the password will be able to unlock the document, turn off Track Changes, or accept and reject the revisions.

Solution 2

Verify Sharing Link Permissions and User Access

Ensure the SharePoint sharing link is configured correctly and test if the issue is isolated to specific users or documents.

Use WPS Office to Manage Track Changes and Document Protection

WPS Office provides robust collaboration and reviewing tools that are fully compatible with Microsoft Word formats. You can easily enable, enforce, and password-protect track changes to monitor document revisions securely.

1. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document you want to track.
2. Access the Review Tab: Navigate to the 'Review' tab on the main ribbon at the top of the screen.
3. Turn on Track Changes: Click the 'Track Changes' button to enable tracking for all new edits.
4. Restrict Editing: Click on 'Restrict Editing'. In the right-hand pane, check 'Allow only this type of editing in the document' and select 'Tracked changes' from the dropdown menu.
5. Enforce Protection: Click 'Start Enforcing Protection', enter a password, and save your document to securely share it with others.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsFree and lightweight alternative to Microsoft OfficeEasy-to-use Track Changes and robust document protection featuresIntuitive user interface for seamless collaboration

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Track Changes turn off automatically when editing in SharePoint?

This often happens if the document is edited in Word for the Web, which handles tracking differently than the desktop app, or if co-authoring conflicts occur when multiple users are editing without restricted editing properly enforced.

Can I lock Track Changes in Word for Mac?

Yes, you can lock Track Changes in the Mac desktop version of Word. Go to the 'Review' tab, click 'Protect Document', select 'Protect document for: Tracked changes', and enter a password.

Will users be able to add comments if Track Changes is locked?

Yes, locking track changes allows users to insert comments and make textual revisions. However, they cannot accept or reject any changes, nor can they turn the tracking feature off without the password.

Document & File Issues