Track Changes keeps turning off by itself while editing Word document

Question

I'm collaborating with someone on a long document (a book), and Track Changes keeps turning itself off periodically while I'm editing. I can't discern a pattern, but it seems to have something to do with comments, i.e. it sometimes happens after I have created a new comment.

Any ideas?

Answer 1

I just finished editing this long document (my book), so I haven't had a chance to test out the solution you proposed yet. When I get it back from my publisher with their suggestions I'll be able to see if it works, and I'll let you know then. Thanks.

Answer 2

Hi Badlydrawnboy,

Please go to Review>Protect Document>Make sure Track changes is selected under Protect document for.

Based on my test, if I choose other options, track changes will turn off.

Besides, we suggest you updates Office and check if the issue persists.

You can go to Help>Check for Updates>Choose Automatically Download and Install>Check for Updates.

For your reference:  Check for Office for Mac updates automatically

Here is a similar thread for your reference:

Track changes turns itself off while I am editing.

If the issue persists, please provide the following for further troubleshooting:

1.When Track changes turns off in the document, please capture a screenshot via Review>Tracking>Track Changes

2.Create a new document and check if the issue persists. Please let us know the result.

Regards,

Tina

Answer 3

Hi Badlydrawnboy,

Did you check the above reply? Do you need further help?

Regards,

Tina

Answer 4

1. Yes, although the problem occurs even when I don't add a new comment, so I'm not sure this is related.
2. It seems to happen in more than one document.
3. I've alternated between storing it on my hard drive and on OneDrive
4. Not sure what you mean, but I don't think so.
5. 15.32 (170309)
6. 10.12.5

Answer 5

Hi Badlydrawnboy,

To troubleshoot the issue, please provide the following information:

1.Regarding "it seems to have something to do with comments, i.e. it sometimes happens after I have created a new comment.", do you mean that after turning on Track Changes, if you click New Comment under Review, the Track Changes will turn off by itself automatically?

If it is not the situation, please clarify it.

2.Does the issue happen in the specific document or all Word documents?

Please create a new document and check if the issue persists.

3.For the long document you mentioned, where do you store the document?

4.Did you set up any other settings in the document?

5.Detailed Office version. (Word>About Word)

6.Mac version. (Apple icon>About this Mac)

Regards,

Tina