Office Settings & Configuration

How to Disable Modern Comments in Word Without the Setting

Aamir Naveed Akram Oct 14, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs a workaround to disable modern comments and return to the legacy comment interface because the standard toggle setting is no longer available.

How to Disable Modern Comments in Word Without the Standard Setting

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Reviewing or editing documents where the legacy comment style is preferred for better visibility or workflow efficiency.
Observed behavior: The "Enable modern comments" checkbox is completely missing from the General Options menu due to recent software updates.

Before you start

Before changing any advanced configurations, save your current documents and completely close Microsoft Word. If you plan to edit the Windows Registry, ensure you create a backup of the registry first.

Solution 1Recommended

Revert to Legacy Comments via Registry Editor

You can manually override Word's default behavior by adding a specific registry key that disables the modern comments feature.

Since Microsoft removed the user-facing toggle in newer builds of Word, the Windows Registry Editor is the most effective way to restore the classic comments view. Please proceed with caution, as incorrect registry edits can affect system stability.

Open the Registry Editor

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type 'regedit' and press Enter to launch the Registry Editor.

Navigate to the Word Options Key

Using the left pane, navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Word\Options.

Create a New DWORD Value

Right-click on the 'Options' folder, select 'New', and then choose 'DWORD (32-bit) Value'. Name this new value 'DisableModernComments' and press Enter.

Modify the Value Data

Double-click the newly created 'DisableModernComments' value. Change its 'Value data' from 0 to 1, then click OK. Restart Microsoft Word for the classic legacy comments to reappear.

Revert to Legacy Comments via Registry Editor

IT Administrator Policies: If you are on a corporate network, Group Policy settings may override this registry change. Contact your IT department if the change does not take effect.

Solution 2

Verify Your Office Version and Update Channel

The availability of the modern comments toggle depends entirely on your specific Microsoft Office update channel and version.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Avoid Forced UI Updates with WPS Office

If Microsoft Word's constant interface changes and missing settings are disrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It offers a highly stable, lightweight, and intuitive document reviewing environment without requiring risky system registry modifications to get your work done.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free office suite.
2. Open your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word document.
3. Access the Review Tools: Navigate to the Review tab to seamlessly view, add, and manage comments in a stable environment.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word .docx formats and comment trackingFree, lightweight, and fast to installFamiliar, stable user interface without forced UI overhaulsSeamlessly migrate your existing documents without losing formatting

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Microsoft remove the 'Enable modern comments' setting?

Microsoft frequently updates its software to unify the user experience across applications. As modern comments became the standard feature across Microsoft 365, the option to toggle back to legacy comments was gradually phased out of the standard settings menu in newer builds.

Will the registry edit work on Word for Mac?

No, the Windows Registry Editor is exclusive to Windows operating systems. Mac users cannot use this method and must rely on Office version rollbacks or alternative office software like WPS Office to avoid modern comments.

Is it safe to modify the Windows Registry?

Modifying the registry is generally safe if you follow exact instructions. However, it is highly recommended to export a backup of the registry before making any changes, as accidental deletions or incorrect values can cause system instability.

Why are modern comments still showing after the registry edit?

If the classic comments do not return, your organization's IT department might be enforcing modern comments via enterprise Group Policy, or you may be on an Office version that entirely ignores the registry key override.

Office App Problems