Office Settings & Configuration

Why Simple Markup is Missing in Word for the Web & How to Fix It

Huda Qurayshi Oct 21, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user is unable to locate the Simple Markup viewing option while editing or reviewing a document in Microsoft Word for the Web.

Why Simple Markup is Missing in Word for the Web

Product: Microsoft Word for the Web
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Reviewing tracked changes and comments in a shared document online.
Observed behavior: The Simple Markup option is missing from the Review tab, preventing the user from hiding detailed inline edits while maintaining a clean overview of document modifications.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting, ensure your web browser is fully updated and check if your Microsoft account is currently enrolled in the Office Insider program.

Solution 1Recommended

Open the Document in the Word Desktop Application

Since Simple Markup may not be fully deployed in the web version, opening the file in the desktop app grants immediate access to all markup viewing options.

Open in desktop app

While viewing your document in Word for the Web, click on the 'Editing' or 'Viewing' button located on the top ribbon, and select 'Open in Desktop App'.

Navigate to the Review tab

Once the document successfully opens in the desktop version of Microsoft Word, click on the 'Review' tab in the main ribbon.

Enable Simple Markup

Locate the Tracking group, click on the 'Display for Review' drop-down menu, and select 'Simple Markup' from the list of options.

Open the Document in the Word Desktop Application

Desktop Features: The desktop version of Word includes the complete suite of tracking tools, bypassing any web-based feature limitations.

Solution 2

Verify Office Insider Feature Availability

Simple Markup in Word for the Web was initially tested as an Office Insider feature and may have been altered or removed before the standard release.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office for Complete Track Changes and Markup Control

If Word for the Web is missing the critical review features you rely on, WPS Office provides a fully featured, lightweight desktop alternative. It includes comprehensive Track Changes tools and complete markup views, ensuring you can review documents seamlessly without web browser limitations.

1. Download and install: Download WPS Office Free from the official website and install it on your computer.
2. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open your .docx file containing the tracked changes.
3. Manage markup views: Navigate to the 'Review' tab to easily toggle between Simple Markup, Full Markup, or No Markup views without restriction.

Full compatibility with Microsoft Word (.docx) formats, including all tracked changes and comments.Advanced document review features including Simple Markup, Full Markup, and Original views.Lightweight, fast, and completely free to download and use on multiple operating systems.Familiar, intuitive user interface that requires no learning curve for Microsoft Office users.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is the Simple Markup view in Word?

Simple Markup is a specialized reviewing view that hides the visual clutter of complex tracked changes. It displays the final version of the document while showing clean indicators (such as a red line in the margin) to note exactly where modifications were made.

Why do some features disappear from Word for the Web?

Features in the web version of Word are often part of the Office Insider testing phase. If Microsoft decides to alter, delay, or retract a feature based on telemetry or user feedback, it may disappear from the standard web interface.

Can I still accept or reject changes if Simple Markup is missing?

Yes. Even if the Simple Markup view is unavailable, you can still switch to 'All Markup' or utilize the 'Reviewing Pane' in Word for the Web to identify, review, accept, or reject any tracked changes in the document.

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