Document Editing Problems

How to Stop the Reviewing Pane from Opening When Adding Word Comments

Nimra Malik Oct 15, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to prevent the Reviewing Pane from automatically opening when inserting comments in a document.

How to Stop the Reviewing Pane from Opening When Adding Word Comments

Product: Word 2019
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Reviewing a document and attempting to add feedback using the New Comment feature.
Observed behavior: Instead of allowing the user to type the comment inline or in a margin balloon, the Reviewing Pane opens unexpectedly on the screen.

Before you start

Ensure you are viewing your document in 'Print Layout' view, as Draft or Web Layout views may force comments and revisions into the Reviewing Pane.

Solution 1Recommended

Change Markup Settings to Show Revisions Inline

By adjusting the Tracking options in the Review tab, you can force comments to display as balloons in the document margin, which keeps the Reviewing Pane closed.

Microsoft Word often opens the Reviewing Pane if the document's markup view is configured to hide balloons or if the Reviewing Pane toggle is actively turned on. Reconfiguring the balloons settings will restore standard inline comment behavior.

Navigate to the Review tab

Open your document in Word 2019 and click on the 'Review' tab located on the top ribbon.

Turn off the Reviewing Pane

Look for the 'Tracking' group. Find the 'Reviewing Pane' button and click it to ensure it is toggled off (it should not be highlighted in gray).

Adjust Balloon settings

In the same 'Tracking' group, click the 'Show Markup' dropdown menu. Hover your cursor over 'Balloons'.

Select Show Revisions in Balloons

From the expanded Balloons menu, click on 'Show Revisions in Balloons'. Your comments will now appear in the right margin instead of forcing the Reviewing Pane to open.

Change Markup Settings to Show Revisions Inline

Comments Restored to Margins: When you insert a new comment now, it will safely appear on the right side of the page, allowing you to edit without screen clutter.

Add Document Comments Seamlessly with WPS Writer

If you want a cleaner, distraction-free reviewing experience, try WPS Writer. It features a highly intuitive comment and revision tracking system that automatically uses margin balloons, preventing layout clutter while remaining fully compatible with Word documents.

1. Open your document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your existing .docx file.
2. Access the Review tab: Navigate to the 'Review' tab on the main top ribbon.
3. Insert a new comment: Highlight the text you wish to review and click the 'New Comment' button.
4. Type directly in the margin: A clean comment balloon will immediately appear on the right side of the document, allowing you to type your feedback without opening any disruptive side panels.

Visually clean interface for tracking changes and adding margin commentsPerfect compatibility with Microsoft Word (.docx) document formatsLightweight application that won't lag when handling heavily commented filesFree to use for everyday document reviewing and editing

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Reviewing Pane keep opening automatically in Word?

The Reviewing Pane opens automatically if your tracking settings are configured to show revisions in the pane instead of inline, or if a comment contains complex formatting that the margin balloons struggle to display.

How do I view all comments at once without the Reviewing Pane?

You can view all comments by setting your markup to 'Show Revisions in Balloons' from the Tracking group on the Review tab. This displays all comments down the right margin of your document in Print Layout view.

Can I permanently disable the Reviewing Pane?

You cannot permanently remove the Reviewing Pane feature from Word. However, by keeping the 'Reviewing Pane' button toggled off and ensuring 'Show Revisions in Balloons' is selected, it will stay closed during normal comment entry.

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