Modern Comments???

Question

I am using Microsoft® Word for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2302 Build 16.0.16130.20806) 64-bit

I cannot stand the "Modern Comments", and going into the options->General and deselecting "Enable modern comments" does not change back to the classic comments.

I used to be able to choose settings to print a document with only change bars and show/hide markups and the colors in the document and could disable the markup area from printing (gray box that takes up 1/3 of the document width). It was a frustrating method - but it would work and allow the full width of the document to print or save as a pdf.

With modern comments I can view the document without the markup area, however the only way to print it or save to pdf is to delete all comments in the document. Microsoft considers this a "modern" approach to comments?

In my opinion introducing a feature that is not functional, not desirable and breaks the functionality of the application is a bad idea. Furthermore placing a button to disable the feature that does not do anything is not only annoying - but should not be allowed in modern business based computer applications. This should be considered fraudulent and there ought to be a law that punishes companies that behave in this manner.

Answer 1

After you have deselected the "Enable modern comments" option, you have to restart Word. Are you saying that you can't get rid of modern comments even if you do that?

Answer 2

Dear danielavizov,

Good day! Thank you for posting to Microsoft Community. We are happy to help you.

As per your description, we're sorry to hear that deselecting the Modern Comments under File > Options not working as expected in Word, and you don't like the design of modern comments and its update.

We do understand the inconvenience caused and apologize for it. To share your feedback directly with the product group, we'd recommend you navigate to Help > Feedback within Word, feedback submit by this way directly goes to the related team, this is the best way to let Word developers know your requirements and comments, help improve the product and make it better for you and others.

For your reference: How do I give feedback on Microsoft 365? - Microsoft Support

Please also consider sharing your feedback and voting for the similar ideas in Word Feedback Community (microsoft.com). The Product Team is in-charge of the feedback site, and they are constantly checking the comments and feedback from our customer. Many features have been developed or improved based on users' comment.

For the issue that deselect the Modern Comment not working as expected, we've done a quick test on Word in version 2310, deselect the Modern Comment and restart Word, and below attached is the screenshot of our test for your reference:

Given this, please check if updating the Office can help.

For your reference: Install Office updates - Microsoft Support

Please also try Online Repair to check if it can help.

For your reference: Repair an Office application - Microsoft Support

If the issue still persists, please share your Office information including the channel and subscription information by navigating to Word > File > Account and take a screenshot as shown below:

For your reference: About Office: What version of Office am I using? - Microsoft Support

Welcome to post back if any updates. We look forward to your reply.

If the understanding above is not consistent with yours, you can also post back and point that.

Sorry for the inconvenience again. Your patience and understanding are highly appreciated. Hope you stay safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

Rhoda | Microsoft Community Moderator