Fix Track Changes Missing from Quick Access Toolbar in Word for Mac
Question details
The user is unable to keep the Track Changes command on the Quick Access Toolbar in Microsoft Word for Mac after an update.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar to include the Track Changes slider for faster document editing and reviewing.
- Observed behavior
- The Track Changes command disappears from the Quick Access Toolbar after saving, leaving only default commands like Save and Bold. The legacy Track Changes slider is no longer available.
Ensure you have the latest version of Word for Mac installed, as Microsoft frequently patches UI glitches and toolbar bugs in their routine Office updates.
Re-add Track Changes via Word Preferences
Attempt to manually re-add the missing Track Changes command through the application's built-in Ribbon and Toolbar settings.
Sometimes a software update resets custom toolbars. Manually adding the command back via the Preferences menu may restore its functionality for your current session.
Launch Microsoft Word on your Mac. Click on 'Word' in the top menu bar and select 'Preferences'.
In the Preferences window, click on 'Ribbon & Toolbar' under the Authoring and Proofing Tools section.
Switch to the 'Quick Access Toolbar' tab at the top. Find 'Track Changes' in the list of available commands on the left, click the right-facing arrow to add it to your toolbar, and click 'Save'.
Add Track Changes to the Status Bar
If the Quick Access Toolbar fails to retain the command, pinning Track Changes to the bottom Status Bar is a reliable alternative.
Access Track Changes via the Review Tab
Use the default Ribbon tab to manage track changes if quick access options are unavailable or bugged.
Tired of Word for Mac UI changes? Try WPS Office
If Microsoft Word updates are disrupting your workflow by removing essential tools like the Track Changes slider, consider switching to WPS Office. It offers a stable, familiar interface with fully integrated document review features for free, ensuring your workflow remains uninterrupted.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for Mac from the official website and complete the installation.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx file. All previous Track Changes will remain perfectly formatted.
- 3. Use Track Changes Easily: Navigate to the Review tab in WPS Writer to instantly access stable, easy-to-use Track Changes and commenting tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Track Changes slider disappear from Word for Mac?
Microsoft frequently updates the interface in Word for Mac. Recent updates (specifically starting around version 16.57) altered the Quick Access Toolbar implementation, removing the traditional Track Changes slider and replacing it with a toggle switch on the main Review tab.
Is there a keyboard shortcut to toggle Track Changes on Mac?
Yes, you can bypass the toolbar completely and quickly turn Track Changes on or off in Word for Mac by pressing Command + Shift + E on your keyboard.
How do I easily accept or reject track changes in Word for Mac?
Go to the 'Review' tab on the ribbon. In the 'Changes' group, you can use the 'Accept' or 'Reject' buttons to manage edits one by one, or click the small dropdown arrow next to the buttons to accept or reject all changes in the document at once.
Can I downgrade Word for Mac to get the old Track Changes slider back?
While you can manually download and install an older version of Word for Mac from the official Microsoft Office release history page, it is generally not recommended due to missing out on crucial security updates. Using the Status Bar workaround or a keyboard shortcut is a safer approach.
