File Sharing Problems

How to Use Editing and Reviewing Modes Simultaneously in Word

Guest Writer Oct 12, 2026 870 views

Question details

Users want to know if multiple collaborators can independently use editing and reviewing modes at the same time in a shared Word document.

How to Use Editing and Reviewing Modes Simultaneously in Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: A team is collaborating on a shared document where some users need to edit and track changes while others only review.
Observed behavior: Users are concerned that switching between editing and reviewing modes will force the same mode change on all other active users in the document.

Before you start

Verify that the document is saved on a shared cloud platform like OneDrive or SharePoint and that all users have the appropriate edit or review permissions to collaborate.

Solution 1Recommended

Utilize Independent Editing and Reviewing Modes

In normal Word co-authoring, switching modes only affects your local view, allowing simultaneous independent editing and reviewing for different team members.

Microsoft Word handles user sessions individually during real-time collaboration. This means that interface changes, such as switching from Editing to Reviewing mode, only apply to the user making the change. Your teammates' views will remain completely unaffected.

Open the shared document

Access the shared Word document from your cloud storage (OneDrive or SharePoint) and ensure you are signed in to your Microsoft account.

Locate the mode selector

Navigate to the ribbon or the top-right corner of the Word interface to find the mode dropdown menu, typically displaying 'Editing', 'Reviewing', or 'Viewing'.

Select your preferred mode

Choose the mode you need. One user can select 'Editing' to make direct changes, while another selects 'Reviewing' to leave comments and track changes.

Collaborate simultaneously

Continue working on the document. Your selected mode will not alter the interface or mode of other users currently co-authoring the document.

Utilize Independent Editing and Reviewing Modes

Independent Co-authoring: Because Word processes user modes individually, your display settings and tracking modes are isolated, ensuring uninterrupted teamwork.

Solution 2

Troubleshoot Mode Synchronization Issues

If changing modes unexpectedly affects other users in the document, it may be caused by a browser caching issue or a temporary syncing glitch.

Real-time Collaboration

Collaborate Seamlessly with WPS Office

WPS Office provides powerful and flexible co-authoring features. Multiple users can seamlessly edit, track changes, and review documents at the same time without interfering with each other's workspace.

1. Upload to cloud: Open your document in WPS Office and upload it to WPS Cloud for real-time syncing.
2. Share the document: Click 'Share' in the top right corner to generate a secure collaboration link.
3. Set permissions: Adjust the sharing permission to 'Anyone with the link can edit' and distribute the link to your team.
4. Review independently: As teammates join, each user can independently activate 'Track Changes' under the Review tab to edit or review simultaneously.

100% compatible with Microsoft Word formats (.docx)Independent editing and reviewing views for real-time collaborationAdvanced track changes and commenting tools built-inFree, lightweight, and user-friendly interface

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone edit a Word document while another person is reviewing it?

Yes, Microsoft Word allows simultaneous co-authoring where each user can independently set their own mode (Editing, Reviewing, or Viewing) without affecting the others.

Why does changing my Word mode change it for everyone else?

This is an abnormal behavior typically caused by browser cache conflicts in Word for the Web. Clearing your browser cache and reloading the shared document should resolve the issue.

Does Track Changes need to be turned on for everyone?

No. In a shared document, if one person turns on Track Changes, it only tracks their specific edits. However, if the document owner enforces 'Lock Tracking', all users will be required to track their changes.

How do I know who is editing or reviewing the document?

You can view active collaborators in the top-right corner of the Word window. Clicking on a user's profile icon will jump to their cursor location, showing you where they are currently working.

Document & File Issues