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How to Restore Show Comments in Microsoft Word When Disabled
Question details
The user needs to restore the 'Show Comments' command in Microsoft Word, which has become unavailable or greyed out following a recent software update.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to view or manage document comments after a recent Office or system update, but finding the reviewing options unresponsive.
- Observed behavior
- The 'Show Comments' command is disabled or unavailable in the Word interface, even when the document view is set to Simple Markup.
Ensure you have an active internet connection to download any necessary Office updates and save your current document before restarting Microsoft Word.
Force an Immediate Microsoft Office Update
Updating Office to the latest build can resolve bugs related to the modern comments interface introduced in recent patches.
Microsoft frequently releases patches to address UI bugs like the disabled Show Comments button. Manually triggering the update ensures your client receives the fix.
Open Microsoft Word, click on 'File' in the top left corner, and select 'Account' from the bottom left menu pane.
Click on the 'Update Options' button next to Office Updates, then select 'Update Now' from the drop-down menu.
Wait for the updates to download and install. Once completed, close and restart Microsoft Word to verify if the Show Comments command is restored.
Contact Your Administrator for Managed Updates
Use this solution if the manual update option is missing, which indicates updates are restricted by your organization's IT policies.
Manage Document Comments Reliably with WPS Office
If Microsoft Word updates continually disrupt your workflow by disabling crucial features like comments, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative with robust reviewing tools.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free version of WPS Office from the official website.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word document directly.
- 3. View Comments Instantly: Navigate to the 'Review' tab to easily view, add, or reply to comments without encountering disabled buttons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Show Comments button suddenly become disabled?
The issue often occurs after a Windows or Office update inadvertently alters the interface, particularly with the rollout of modern comments controls. A subsequent patch usually fixes the glitch.
Can I fix the disabled comments if my updates are managed by my company?
If your organization controls Office updates via Group Policy, the manual 'Update Now' option will be hidden or unavailable. You must contact your IT administrator to deploy the latest update.
Does switching to Simple Markup hide my comments in Word?
Simple Markup displays a cleaner version of your document with margin indicators for changes and comments. However, clicking these indicators should reveal the comments; if they don't, an Office update is likely required.
