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How to Restore Modern Comments in Word for Mac (Microsoft 365 Business)
Question details
The user needs to restore the Modern Comments feature in Microsoft Word for Mac, which disappeared after changing the account type.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Switching from a personal Microsoft account to a Microsoft 365 Business account on Mac.
- Observed behavior
- The Modern Comments feature disappeared entirely in Word version 16.93 after the account switch.
Before proceeding, ensure you have your Microsoft 365 Business account credentials ready and save any open documents, as you will need to restart Word for Mac to apply these changes.
Enable Optional Connected Experiences in Privacy Settings
Cloud-dependent features like Modern Comments will not appear if Optional Connected Experiences are disabled in your privacy settings.
Business accounts often have different default privacy policies compared to personal accounts. If 'Optional Connected Experiences' are turned off, features like Editor and Modern Comments that rely on Microsoft's cloud services will be disabled.
Open Microsoft Word on your Mac. Click on 'Word' in the top Apple menu bar and select 'Preferences'.
In the Preferences window, locate and click on the 'Privacy' option.
Scroll to find 'Optional Connected Experiences' and check the box to enable it.
Close the preferences window and completely quit Microsoft Word. Reopen the application to check if Modern Comments have been restored.
Toggle Modern Comments in General Preferences
Verify if the Modern Comments feature has been manually toggled off in the application's general settings.
Verify License and Account Configuration
Ensure your newly switched Microsoft 365 Business account is correctly activated and fully licensed on your Mac.
Try WPS Office for Mac for a Hassle-Free Experience
Tired of dealing with missing features, complex licensing, and confusing privacy settings just to use comments? WPS Office is a lightweight, free alternative that offers seamless document editing and reliable collaboration tools on Mac.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for Mac from the official website and complete the installation.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word (.docx) document.
- 3. Use Review Tools: Navigate to the 'Review' tab to immediately start adding and tracking comments without adjusting privacy settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Modern Comments disappear after I switched to a Microsoft 365 Business account?
Modern Comments rely on Microsoft's cloud-backed services. Business accounts often have stricter default privacy policies. If 'Optional Connected Experiences' are disabled by default during the account switch, cloud-dependent features like Modern Comments will not display.
Are Modern Comments available on all versions of Word for Mac?
No. Modern Comments are available in Microsoft 365 subscriptions and newer standalone versions like Word 2021 for Mac. If you are using an older version or if the feature is disabled by your IT administrator, you will see the classic comments interface instead.
How can I check which account is currently active in Word for Mac?
Open Microsoft Word, click on 'Word' in the top menu bar, and select 'About Microsoft Word'. This window will display your current version, license type, and the email address associated with the active account under the 'Belongs to' section.
