How to Stop Word Comments from Opening in a Pop-Up Window
Question details
The user wants to prevent Word comments from opening in a separate pop-up window and keep them displayed as balloons in the document margin.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Reviewing, editing, or reading a document containing comments and tracked changes.
- Observed behavior
- Comments are opening in an additional pop-up window instead of remaining inline or as balloons in the document margin.
Ensure your Microsoft Office application is fully updated, as comment display behavior can vary significantly between different version releases and update channels.
Increase the Preferred Width for Balloons
Adjusting the Track Changes advanced options to increase balloon width can force comments to display properly in the margins instead of a pop-up.
If the margin width allocated for balloons is too narrow, Word may default to opening comments in a separate pop-up window to ensure the text is readable. Increasing this width usually resolves the issue.
Navigate to the 'Review' tab on the top ribbon in Microsoft Word.
In the 'Tracking' group, click the small dialog box launcher arrow in the lower-right corner, then click 'Advanced Options'.
Locate the 'Balloons' section. Increase the 'Preferred width' setting (for example, set it to 3 or 3.5 inches).
Click 'OK' to close the dialog boxes and check if the comments now appear in the document margin.
Force Revisions to Show in Balloons
Verify that your markup settings are explicitly configured to show revisions and comments in margin balloons.
View and Manage Comments in the Margin with WPS Writer
If you are tired of struggling with comment pop-ups and display glitches in your documents, try WPS Writer. It handles document comments smoothly, always keeping them neatly organized in the side margins for easy reading and reviewing.
- 1. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your .docx file containing the comments.
- 2. Access the Review Menu: Click on the 'Review' tab located on the top menu ribbon.
- 3. Manage Margin Comments: View all existing comments neatly docked on the right side, or click 'New Comment' to instantly add a perfectly formatted margin balloon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my Word comments suddenly appearing in a pop-up window?
This behavior typically occurs due to a recent Microsoft Office update, conflicts with 'Modern Comments', or because the preferred balloon width is set too narrow in your Track Changes options, forcing the app to use a separate window to display the text clearly.
Can I revert to the older classic Microsoft Word comment style?
Depending on your exact version of Microsoft 365, you may be able to disable the new comment interface. Go to File > Options > General, uncheck the box for 'Enable modern comments', and restart Word to apply the changes.
Will changing the balloon width affect how my document prints?
Yes, the preferred balloon width dictates how much margin space is used for comments. Ensuring balloons have adequate width allows them to display properly in the margin both on-screen and when printed, rather than being cut off.
