How to Fix Word Comments Not Appearing in the Markup Area
Question details
Users are unable to see comments in the traditional markup area alongside Track Changes after a recent Microsoft Word update.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Reviewing or editing a document with comments and track changes after a recent Word software update.
- Observed behavior
- Comments now appear in a separate pane farther to the right side of the screen rather than in the traditional markup area.
Verify your current version of Word, as recent updates have introduced the Modern Comments experience which changes the default comment layout permanently.
Use the Modern Comments Pane and List View
Since rolling back updates is usually not practical, you can customize the new Modern Comments layout to better suit your workflow.
Microsoft introduced the Modern Comments experience to declutter the markup area. While you cannot revert to the old view in the editing screen without rolling back Office, you can manage how this new pane displays.
Click the 'Comments' button located in the upper-right corner of the Word window to expand the dedicated comments pane.
Navigate to the 'Review' tab on the ribbon and click 'Show Comments' to view your comments in a list format.
Click and drag the top of the comments pane to undock it and move it to a more comfortable location on your screen.
View the Classic Comment Layout in Print Preview
If you need to see comments exactly how they used to appear alongside track changes, you can use the Print Preview feature.
Send Direct Feedback to Microsoft
If the Modern Comments layout negatively impacts your workflow, you can send direct feedback to the Microsoft development team.
Try WPS Office for a Classic Document Review Experience
If Microsoft Word's forced Modern Comments update disrupts your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a familiar, classic interface for track changes and comments, making document review straightforward without unexpected layout changes.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installation package and install the software.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx file to review it.
- 3. View Classic Comments: Go to the Review tab to see your comments displayed intuitively in the traditional markup area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I completely disable the Modern Comments feature in Word?
In older builds of Word, there was an option in File > Options > General to uncheck 'Enable modern comments'. However, Microsoft has gradually removed this option in newer updates, making the new experience permanent without rolling back your Office version.
Will my comments still print on the side of the page?
Yes, printing the document or saving it as a PDF will still display the comments in the traditional markup area on the right side of the page, exactly as they appear in Print Preview.
Why are my Track Changes separate from my comments now?
The Modern Comments update was designed to declutter the markup area. Comments are now moved to a dedicated pane, while track changes (such as insertions and deletions) remain in the document margin or inline.
