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How to Fix Ctrl+Shift+E Shortcut for Track Changes in Word
Question details
The user needs to restore the functionality of the Ctrl+Shift+E keyboard shortcut to toggle between Reviewing (Track Changes) and Editing modes.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to quickly toggle Track Changes using a keyboard shortcut during document review.
- Observed behavior
- The Ctrl+Shift+E shortcut switches the document to Viewing mode instead of Reviewing mode, or the shortcut fails to work entirely.
Ensure your keyboard is functioning properly and check if the document opened in Protected View (such as an email attachment), which restricts shortcut commands and editing.
Disable 'Always Open Read-Only' Document Protection
Use this solution if the document forces you into a view-only mode because the author restricted editing.
If a document is configured to open in read-only mode by default, keyboard shortcuts for Track Changes will switch you to Viewing mode instead of Reviewing mode. Disabling this protection restores normal shortcut functionality.
Click on the 'Viewing' button at the top right of the document ribbon and select 'Editing' to temporarily enable modifications.
Click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of Word, then select 'Info' from the left-hand menu.
Click on the 'Protect Document' dropdown button.
Click on 'Always Open Read-Only' to deselect it. The yellow highlight indicating the protection should disappear.
Manually Reassign the Ctrl+Shift+E Shortcut
Use this method if the shortcut has been customized or overridden by another command or add-in.
Manage Track Changes Manually via the Review Tab
Use this as a reliable workaround if your shortcuts remain unresponsive while troubleshooting Microsoft 365 issues.
Easily Manage Track Changes and Reviewing with WPS Writer
If Microsoft Word's shortcut configurations and read-only settings are causing frustration, WPS Office offers a streamlined, user-friendly interface for reviewing documents. WPS Writer is fully compatible with Microsoft Word formats and provides an intuitive Review tab to manage track changes without complex shortcut conflicts.
- 1. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx file.
- 2. Go to the Review Tab: Click on the 'Review' tab at the top of the main window.
- 3. Toggle Track Changes: Click the 'Track Changes' icon to start logging your edits.
- 4. Manage Document Edits: Use the 'Accept' and 'Reject' buttons in the same ribbon section to effortlessly navigate through revisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ctrl+Shift+E suddenly stop working in Word?
The shortcut often stops working if the document is saved with the 'Always Open Read-Only' setting enforced. It can also break if a recent software update, system setting, or third-party add-in reassigned the default key mapping.
How do I test if an add-in is breaking my Word shortcuts?
You can start Word in a clean state by pressing Windows + R, typing 'winword.exe /a', and pressing Enter. If the Ctrl+Shift+E shortcut works correctly in this mode, an installed add-in is likely overriding the command.
What is the command name for Track Changes when customizing the ribbon?
When customizing keyboard shortcuts in Word, the internal command name that toggles Track Changes on and off is 'ToolsRevisionMarksToggle' located under the 'All Commands' category.
