Why Track Changes Keeps Turning Off in Word for Mac
Question details
Users experience Track Changes unexpectedly toggling off in Word for Mac, sometimes accompanied by the application freezing or crashing.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Editing a document using Track Changes and applying formatting commands.
- Observed behavior
- Track changes turns off without the user explicitly clicking the button. In some cases, Word freezes or loses alignment functionality after an update.
Ensure you save your document frequently to prevent data loss if your Word for Mac application is experiencing freezing or crashing alongside this issue.
Verify and Correct Keyboard Shortcuts
The most common reason Track Changes turns off unexpectedly is accidentally pressing its keyboard shortcut while attempting to center text.
In Microsoft Word for Mac, the shortcut Command+Shift+E toggles Track Changes on and off. The shortcut Command+E is used to apply center alignment to text. Users frequently press the Shift key by mistake when aiming for center alignment, inadvertently turning off their tracking.
When formatting text, ensure you are only pressing 'Command + E' for center alignment and not grazing the 'Shift' key.
If tracking stops, press 'Command + Shift + E' again or go to the 'Review' tab and click 'Track Changes' to turn it back on.
Keep an eye on the status bar at the bottom of the Word window to confirm if Track Changes is currently labeled as 'On' or 'Off'.
Update Microsoft Word to the Latest Version
If Word is freezing or crashing along with the Track Changes issue, updating the application can resolve underlying software bugs.
Experience Stable Document Editing with WPS Office for Mac
If Microsoft Word for Mac continues to freeze, crash, or disrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly stable, lightweight, and free alternative that supports native Apple Silicon and offers full compatibility with Microsoft Office documents.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website, download the Mac version, and run the installer.
- 2. Open your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx files directly with no formatting loss.
- 3. Use Track Changes: Navigate to the 'Review' tab in WPS Writer to manage and track your document revisions flawlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I lock Track Changes in Word for Mac so it cannot be turned off?
Go to the 'Review' tab, click the drop-down arrow next to 'Track Changes', and select 'Lock Tracking'. You will be prompted to enter a password. This prevents others (or accidental shortcuts) from turning off the tracking.
Why does Word for Mac crash when I use shortcuts?
Crashing during shortcut usage often indicates a corrupted preferences file or an outdated application version. Try updating Office via Help > Check for Updates, or resetting your Word preferences.
Can I disable the Track Changes shortcut in Word for Mac?
Yes. Go to the top menu, select 'Tools' > 'Customize Keyboard'. Choose the 'Review' tab in the Categories list, find 'ToolsRevisionMarksToggle', and remove the assigned shortcut key.
