Office Settings & Configuration

How to Change Default Comments View from Contextual to List in Word

Kushani Nimanthika Sep 27, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user wants to permanently change the default display of modern comments in Word from Contextual view to List view.

How to Change Default Comments View from Contextual to List in Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Reviewing and editing documents that contain multiple comments and tracked changes.
Observed behavior: Modern comments open in Contextual view by default, and Word currently lacks a built-in settings option to permanently save the List view as the default preference.

Before you start

Since Microsoft Word's Modern Comments feature does not have a native toggle to permanently set List view as default, you will need to rely on the Reviewing Pane or use a VBA macro workaround to automate the view layout.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Reviewing Pane to Display Comments in a List

This is the most straightforward, built-in way to see all your comments and tracked changes in a vertical list format.

While you cannot permanently set the modern comments to 'List view' via standard settings, the Reviewing Pane acts as an excellent alternative, offering a clean, list-style overview of all document revisions and comments.

Navigate to the Review Tab

Open your Microsoft Word document and click on the 'Review' tab located in the top ribbon.

Open the Reviewing Pane

In the 'Tracking' group, click on 'Reviewing Pane'. You can choose to open it vertically (on the left side) or horizontally (at the bottom).

View Comments in List Format

All comments and tracked changes will now appear chronologically in the newly opened pane, mimicking a continuous list view.

Use the Reviewing Pane to Display Comments in a List

Session Limitation: This setting is not permanent. You will need to click 'Reviewing Pane' each time you open a new session of Word.

Solution 2

Automate the Revisions Pane with a VBA Macro

Use this solution if you want the list-style Reviewing Pane to open automatically every time you create or open a document.

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Try WPS Office for a Streamlined Document Review Experience

If navigating complex macro setups or dealing with forced modern comment views in Microsoft Word is frustrating, WPS Office offers a clean, highly compatible, and user-friendly alternative for document collaboration.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website, download the free suite, and follow the quick installation wizard.
2. Open Your Word Document: Launch WPS Writer and simply drag and drop your existing .docx file into the workspace.
3. Review Comments Easily: Navigate to the Review tab to utilize a straightforward, classic commenting interface without forced contextual views.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Contextual and List view in Word comments?

Contextual view displays comments in the margins right next to the text they relate to, which can sometimes clutter the screen. List view organizes all comments in a chronological, vertical pane, making it easier to read through extensive feedback.

Can I completely disable Modern Comments in Microsoft Word?

Depending on your specific Microsoft 365 update version, you might find a toggle by going to File > Options > General, and unchecking 'Enable modern comments'. However, Microsoft is gradually phasing out this toggle, making Modern Comments the permanent standard.

Will the VBA macro affect other users who open my document?

No. If you save the AutoOpen and AutoNew macro in your 'Normal' template, the automatic Reviewing Pane will only apply to the Word application on your local computer. Other users will view the document based on their own default Word settings.

Where can I request Microsoft to add a permanent default setting for List view?

You can send feature requests directly to Microsoft by opening Word and navigating to Help > Feedback. Select 'I have a suggestion' to let the development team know you want a default List view toggle.

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