Office Settings & Configuration

How to Dismiss the Track Changes Pop-Up in Microsoft Word

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to dismiss or disable the tracked changes pop-up card in desktop Microsoft Word without accidentally accepting or rejecting the proposed edits.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Reviewing and editing a document with Track Changes enabled.
Observed behavior: An intrusive pop-up card appears for tracked changes, which can be disruptive to the reading or editing experience, and the user wants to close it without taking an action on the specific change.

Before you start

Ensure your Microsoft Word document is open in Print Layout view and that Track Changes is currently active so you can locate and interact with the pop-up cards.

Solution 1Recommended

Dismiss the Track Changes Card Using a Keyboard Shortcut

Since there is no built-in toggle to permanently disable the pop-up, you can use a quick keyboard shortcut to close the card safely without affecting the tracked change.

Microsoft Word currently does not provide a dedicated user setting to completely disable the Track Changes pop-up cards from appearing. However, you can safely dismiss them as they appear without making any unintended modifications to the document's tracked changes.

Trigger the pop-up

Navigate to the section of your document containing the tracked change and hover over or click near it until the Accept/Reject pop-up card appears on your screen.

Press the Escape key

Simply press the 'Esc' key on your keyboard. This action immediately dismisses the Track Changes card without accepting or rejecting the proposed edit.

Submit Feedback to Microsoft: If you find this feature highly disruptive to your workflow, you can submit feature feedback directly to Microsoft via the Word feedback portal to request a toggle setting to disable the cards in future updates.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Review Documents Distraction-Free with WPS Office

Tired of intrusive pop-ups while reviewing documents in Microsoft Word? WPS Office provides a clean, user-friendly interface for tracking changes without unnecessary disruptions. As a free, lightweight alternative, it offers seamless format compatibility and a familiar layout.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install the software on your desktop device.
2. Open Your Word Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx file. All tracked changes from Microsoft Word will be retained perfectly.
3. Manage Tracked Changes: Navigate to the 'Review' tab to view, accept, or reject changes using a traditional, clean layout without disruptive pop-up cards blocking your text.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word formats (.docx, .doc) to ensure document formatting is preserved.Clean, distraction-free interface for tracking and reviewing document changes.Free and lightweight, ensuring rapid performance even on older devices.Familiar user interface that requires zero learning curve for former Microsoft Office users.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I permanently disable the Accept/Reject pop-up in Microsoft Word?

Currently, Microsoft Word does not offer a specific user setting or toggle to permanently disable the Track Changes pop-up cards. You must dismiss them manually as they appear.

Will pressing Esc reject the tracked change?

No, pressing the Esc key simply closes the pop-up interface on your screen. The tracked change remains in the document pending your review, allowing you to either accept or reject it later.

How do I review changes without clicking the pop-ups?

You can use the 'Review' tab on the Microsoft Word ribbon. From there, you can use the 'Next' and 'Previous' buttons to navigate through edits and use the 'Accept' or 'Reject' buttons in the ribbon instead of the pop-up cards.

Does WPS Office have the same disruptive pop-up issue?

WPS Office offers a highly streamlined Track Changes experience. You can manage document edits via the Review tab cleanly, without intrusive pop-up cards blocking the surrounding text.

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