How to switch to anonymous comments?

Question

Previously I was working on a file, adding comments in an anonymous mode ("author").

Now, for some reason I can't understand, I can only make signed comments ("Marco Masi").

I deleted in the document properties all personal information, but it didn't help.

I also logged out from Microsoft, but Word insists on placing my name.

How can I return to the previous anonymous comments ("Author")? Or at least with a label that makes the comment anonymous?

Answer 1

Nope, I did so, but the name remains invariably.

You can see a screengrab here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EdFxzrfC0ct6kaiwFvd69W-T7xLhMvcA/view?usp=sharing 

Maybe I omitted something?

According to my test, the name in the Options > General > User Name box will be shown in the comment until you save and reopen the document (the replacement appears to occur during the closing, even though the option mentions saving).

Also, when you immediately went to the Trust Center and unchecked the box for "Remove personal information", that canceled the setting by the Inspector -- don't do that unless you want to stop replacing names with Author.

Answer 2

Hi. Thank you for your question and reaching out. My name is John and I’d be more than happy to help you with your query.

There is actually an open discussion about it. But you can follow these: Use Word>Preferences>Security>Privacy Options..."Remove personal information

For reference, please see https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/my/20376a45-34ea-4d1e-8734-95584d3d9862

Best regards, John

Answer 3

Hi John,

I don't get it. What is "Word"? I have only "option", "account" and "settings" under the "file" drop menu. Where are "Preferences"?

Answer 4

John assumed that you're using a Mac. If you're using Word Online in a browser, you must first open the document in desktop Word on a Windows PC.

In Word for Windows, the way to get to a similar place is File > Info > Check for Issues > Inspect Document. In that dialog, clear all the check boxes except "Document Properties and Personal Information" and then click the Inspect button.

After the inspection is completed, save the document. That document will no longer store any document properties in the file, unless you go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Privacy Options and clear the check box for "Remove personal information from file Properties on save".

This is a fairly drastic step just to remove your name from the comments. A simpler way is to go to File > Options > General and change the "User name" entry to Author. You may also change or blank out your Initials. Be sure the check box for "Always use these values regardless of sign in to Office" is checked, and click OK. This can be reversed just by changing the user name back to your name, although comments labeled as Author will remain that way.

Answer 5

Nope, I did so, but the name remains invariably.

You can see a screengrab here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EdFxzrfC0ct6kaiwFvd69W-T7xLhMvcA/view?usp=sharing 

Maybe I omitted something?