Why the Track Changes Button Changed in Word for Mac
Question details
Users are confused by the redesign of the Track Changes button, which changed from a clear on/off text toggle to a gray button that only changes color.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Editing a document and attempting to enable or disable the Track Changes feature in the Review tab.
- Observed behavior
- The Track Changes button no longer has an explicit on/off state; instead, it acts as a gray button that highlights when clicked to indicate tracking is active.
Verify your current version of Word for Mac by clicking 'Word' > 'About Microsoft Word' in the top menu bar, as interface updates are tied to version 16.52 and later.
Understand and Use the Updated Track Changes Interface
Learn how to operate the newly designed Track Changes button and access the updated tracking permissions.
Microsoft updated the Track Changes interface to introduce new functional options, such as the ability to track changes made by everyone or only by you. Because of these added layers of control, the simple on/off text toggle was replaced.
Interface updates in Office 365 can be released gradually and take effect independently of major application installations. This is why the button may have changed even if you did not manually update the software.
Navigate to the Review tab on the Microsoft Word ribbon and find the Track Changes icon.
Click the Track Changes button once. The button will change color (usually highlighting darker or adopting your theme color) to indicate that tracking is turned on.
Click the drop-down arrow immediately next to the Track Changes button to choose whether you want to track changes for 'Everyone' or 'Just Mine'.
To turn off tracking, click the highlighted Track Changes button again. It will return to its normal, un-highlighted gray state.
Switch to WPS Office for a Familiar Editing Experience
If sudden interface changes in Microsoft Word disrupt your productivity, consider trying WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, lightweight alternative with a classic, easy-to-understand Track Changes interface that stays intuitive.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for Mac from the official website.
- 2. Open your Word Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx files seamlessly without losing any formatting.
- 3. Use Track Changes easily: Navigate to the Review tab and click Track Changes to enjoy a clear, straightforward editing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I revert the Track Changes button to its old on/off design?
No, Microsoft does not currently offer a built-in option to revert the Track Changes button to its previous design in Word for Mac version 16.52 and later. Submitting feedback through the Help menu is the best way to request this feature.
Why did my Word interface change without a manual app update?
Microsoft pushes subscription features and user interface changes gradually via background updates. This means the visual design of tools like Track Changes can update automatically even if you haven't downloaded a major software release.
How do I track only my own changes in Word for Mac?
With the newly updated Track Changes button, click the small drop-down arrow next to the icon on the Review tab, and select 'Just Mine' from the menu options.
