Fix Content Of Comment Clicked in Word on Windows

When Office stops working as expected, start with the shortest official checks before you reinstall anything.

Problem Description: Content Of Comment Clicked

Hello, I am currently working on a Microsoft Add-In by using the Office js API and I need to retrieve the content of comments from a word document. I have been able to find how to retrieve the content of the comment when clicking on the text attached to the comment (clicking on the green part of the image), but not when clicking directly on the comment itself outside the pages (red part of the image). It seems that using "await context.sync()" while clicking on the red part will give "GeneralException". I have found out there is a function in the Preview build of Office js that seems to work for this exact scenario (onCommentSelected), but I wanted to know if anyone knew how to do it without using the preview build ? Thank you

Quick Answer for Office Setup on New Device

There is currently no stable method to directly handle comment selection events in the sidebar without relying on preview APIs like onCommentSelected.

Likely Causes Behind Office Settings Root Factors

• The Microsoft account or license context may not match the purchase or device.

• Cached credentials, outdated builds, or damaged local components can trigger office settings & configuration.

• A file-specific corruption or add-in conflict can mimic a broader application failure.

Recommended Solution: Installing Office on a New PC

When to use this: Apply these steps when the symptoms match and you can access the relevant Microsoft account or administrator.

1. That event, along with onCommentDeselected, is designed for detecting comment selection but remains in public preview.

2. The stable API supports working with comments via Word.Comment and Word.CommentCollection, including retrieving content through getComments() on a Range object or loading properties such as contentRange on a specific comment, but these don't include built-in events for pane-specific interactions.

Alternative Solutions for Secondary Office Fixes

1. Retry the Microsoft-side steps after restarting the app and device.

2. Test the same action in a private browser session or a new blank file to isolate account vs file issues.

3. Run Quick Repair, then Online Repair from Programs and Features if the app still fails.

4. Capture exact error text and screenshots before contacting Microsoft Support or your administrator.

Working with WPS Office: WPS as a Local Alternative

WPS Office cannot replace Microsoft account, activation, or cloud fixes for this scenario. It remains one of the best free Microsoft Office-compatible alternatives for opening and editing local files.

1. Download and install WPS Office from the official website.

2. Open local Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files in the matching WPS app.

3. Save a working copy locally while Microsoft-side issues are resolved.

4. Return to Microsoft Office after the primary fix succeeds.

If you need a practical local workspace in the meantime, try WPS Office.

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Prevention Tips for Keeping Office Stable Long Term

• Keep one primary Microsoft account for subscriptions and Office sign-in.

• Install updates for Office and Windows before retrying failed workflows.

• Back up important files before repair, reset, or reinstall actions.

• Document exact error messages before the next troubleshooting attempt.

FAQs About Office Support Questions

Can WPS Office fix this office settings & configuration issue directly? Only when the WPS steps match the formatting or file task. Account, activation, and cloud issues stay on the Microsoft side.

Should I reinstall Office before trying these steps? Not first. Confirm account, license, and the exact error before reinstalling.

What should I send to Microsoft Support? The affected account email, device type, Office version, exact error text, and screenshots with personal data hidden.