'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Restore the Comments Option in Word Track Changes
Question details
The user needs to bring back the Comments option within the Track Changes and Show Markup menus in Microsoft Word.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to view, hide, or manage document comments using the traditional Show Markup dropdown menu.
- Observed behavior
- The Comments option is completely missing from the Show Markup list when the modern comments feature is active.
Ensure you have saved your current document, as restoring this setting will require you to restart the Microsoft Word application.
Disable Modern Comments in Word Options
Turning off the modern comments feature forces Word to revert to its classic commenting interface, instantly restoring the Comments toggle in the Show Markup menu.
Microsoft introduced 'modern comments' in recent updates to change how users interact with feedback. However, this redesign removes the traditional Comments toggle from the Show Markup menu. Disabling this setting is the only way to retrieve the classic layout.
Click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the Microsoft Word ribbon, then select 'Options' at the very bottom of the left-hand menu.
In the Word Options dialog box, ensure that the 'General' tab is selected in the left pane.
Scroll down to the 'User Interface options' section and uncheck the box labeled 'Enable modern comments'. Click 'OK' to save your changes.
Close the Word application entirely and reopen your document. Navigate to the 'Review' tab, click on 'Show Markup', and the 'Comments' option will now be visible.
Try WPS Office for a Streamlined, Classic Commenting Experience
Tired of confusing UI updates and missing features in Microsoft Word? WPS Office offers a classic, intuitive interface for Track Changes and Comments, giving you full control without the hassle of disappearing menus.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office Free from the official website and complete the quick installation.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx file containing the tracked changes and comments.
- 3. Access Review Tools: Navigate directly to the 'Review' tab to immediately view, accept, or hide comments using a classic, straightforward markup menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Comments option disappear from my Track Changes menu?
Microsoft introduced a 'modern comments' feature in newer updates of Word. When this feature is enabled, it alters the commenting interface and removes the traditional Comments toggle from the Show Markup drop-down list.
Will I lose my existing comments if I disable modern comments?
No, your comments are securely saved within the document itself. Disabling modern comments only changes how they are displayed on your screen, reverting them to the classic bubble view.
Where can I find the Show Markup menu in Word?
The Show Markup menu is located in the 'Review' tab on the top ribbon, specifically within the 'Tracking' group.
What if I do not see the 'Enable modern comments' checkbox in my Options?
If the option is missing, you may be using an older version of Word that does not have the modern comments feature, or your organization's IT policy has locked the setting to prevent changes.
