Does Microsoft 365 Word Include Review Pane and Track Changes?
Question details
The user wants to confirm whether the Review pane and Track Changes features are included in Microsoft 365 Word for proofreading purposes.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Proofreading and editing documents collaboratively
- Observed behavior
- The user is unable to locate or use the Review pane and Track Changes, likely because they are using the web version of Word which has limited capabilities compared to the desktop app.
Verify whether you are currently using Word for the Web in your browser or the Microsoft Word desktop application, as their feature sets differ significantly.
Switch from Word for the Web to the Desktop Application
Access the full Track Changes and Review pane functionalities by opening your document in the Microsoft 365 Word desktop app.
While Word for the Web allows for basic editing and viewing, advanced proofreading tools like the full Reviewing Pane are restricted to the desktop version.
To utilize these features, you must transition your active session from the browser to the installed application.
Look at the top ribbon menu while your document is open in Word for the Web.
Click the 'Editing' or 'Viewing' dropdown near the top right of the ribbon, and select 'Open in Desktop App'. Alternatively, look for a dedicated 'Open in Desktop App' button.
Once the document opens in the desktop application, click on the 'Review' tab located in the main ribbon menu.
Click the 'Track Changes' button to enable editing marks. Click 'Reviewing Pane' to display the panel vertically or horizontally to view all revisions.
Verify Your Microsoft 365 License Type
Ensure your specific Microsoft 365 subscription plan includes access to the fully featured desktop applications.
Use WPS Writer for Full Track Changes and Review Features for Free
If your current Microsoft 365 subscription lacks desktop apps or you want a robust, lightweight alternative, WPS Office provides full document review features—including Track Changes and Review Panes—completely free.
- 1. Download and install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and open your document in WPS Writer.
- 2. Access the Review tab: Click on the 'Review' tab located in the top ribbon menu.
- 3. Turn on Track Changes: Click the 'Track Changes' button to begin recording all edits, formatting changes, and deletions.
- 4. Open Reviewing Pane: Click on 'Reviewing Pane' to bring up a dedicated panel that clearly lists all document revisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Review pane missing in Word for the Web?
Word for the Web is a streamlined version of the application designed for basic, quick edits in the browser. Advanced features, including the full Review pane, are exclusive to the Microsoft Word desktop application to ensure optimal performance.
Does Track Changes work between WPS Office and Microsoft Word?
Yes, WPS Office offers excellent compatibility with Microsoft Word documents. Any tracked changes, comments, or formatting edits made in WPS Writer will display perfectly when the document is later opened in Microsoft Word, and vice versa.
How do I accept or reject changes in Microsoft Word?
In the desktop version of Word, navigate to the 'Review' tab. Use the 'Accept' or 'Reject' buttons in the Changes group to review modifications individually, or select 'Accept All Changes' from the dropdown menu to finalize the document.
Why is the Track Changes button grayed out in Word?
The Track Changes button may be grayed out if the document is protected, locked for editing, marked as final, or if your Microsoft 365 license has expired. You will need to check your document editing permissions or update your account subscription status to resolve this.
