Check Track Changes Support in Office Online Server 2016 and 2019
Question details
The user wants to determine whether an on-premises Office Online Server integration can enable and display Track Changes in a custom WOPI-hosted web application.
- Product
- Microsoft Office Online Server 2016 and 2019 with a custom WOPI host
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A custom web application integrates with on-premises Office Online Server to view and edit Word documents in a browser. The reported implementation uses Office Online Server 2016; the question also asks about 2019.
- Observed behavior
- Document viewing and editing work, but Track Changes cannot be enabled or displayed in the online editor.
Record the Office Online Server version and installed build, the document format, and whether the document opens in viewing or editing mode. Prepare a test Word document containing tracked edits so you can check revision display separately from recording new changes.
Verify Track Changes capabilities for your Office Online Server and WOPI integration
Use this approach to determine whether the missing feature is a supported limitation or an integration issue.
Track Changes availability depends on the server version and build, the document application, and the WOPI host implementation. Successful viewing and editing do not establish that all review features are supported.
Do not assume that features available in Microsoft-hosted Word for the web or OneDrive are also available in an on-premises Office Online Server deployment. The available information does not confirm full Track Changes support for either Office Online Server 2016 or 2019 in this custom integration.
Open the test document containing tracked edits in your web application's Word editor. Check whether revisions are visible, then open the Review tab if available and look for Track Changes. Record whether the control is missing, disabled, or present but ineffective.
Go to Microsoft Learn and search the Office Online Server documentation for your installed version and build. Review the documented Word editing limitations and WOPI integration requirements, specifically looking for revision display and Track Changes support.
In your application's WOPI implementation, review the CheckFileInfo response, editing permissions, and the action used to launch the document. Compare them with Microsoft's WOPI documentation; do not assume a host capability flag can enable an unsupported review feature.
Post the results to the Microsoft Developer Community or contact Microsoft support. Include the server version and build, document format, launch mode, relevant WOPI capabilities, and separate results for displaying existing revisions and recording new changes. Remove access tokens and sensitive document content before sharing diagnostics.
Use desktop Word for tracked review while browser support is unresolved
Use a desktop review workflow when users need to record and inspect revisions before the server integration is confirmed.
Review Word document changes in WPS Writer
WPS Office is a free, lightweight Microsoft Office alternative with a familiar interface and support for Word formats. Open downloaded documents in WPS Writer to use Track Changes in a desktop review workflow without rebuilding your files. It does not repair or extend Office Online Server's WOPI integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Office Online Server 2019 definitely support Track Changes in a custom WOPI application?
The available guidance does not establish that it does. Check Microsoft's Office Online Server documentation for the exact installed build and request developer support confirmation for your WOPI implementation before treating an upgrade as a solution.
Why can users edit documents but not enable Track Changes?
Basic editing and revision tracking are separate capabilities. Open a document in the browser editor and check the Review controls, then compare the result with your server's documented limitations and the host's WOPI permissions.
Does Track Changes working in OneDrive prove it should work on-premises?
No. Microsoft-hosted Word for the web and on-premises Office Online Server can have different feature availability. Verify the capabilities of your installed server rather than using OneDrive behavior as the support baseline.
How can I check whether tracked changes are still stored in the document?
Download the document and open it in desktop Word. Select Review > Display for Review > All Markup, then check Show Markup. Revisions may remain in the file even when the browser editor does not display them.
Can WPS Office enable Track Changes in my Office Online Server integration?
No. WPS Office does not modify Office Online Server or its WOPI host. For a separate desktop workflow, open the downloaded document in WPS Writer and select Review > Track Changes, then save and return the file through your application's upload workflow.
