Word Online - How to remove tracked changes pop-up that takes up half the screen

Question

Hi All,

I've seen the options in other threads but none of them function in my version of word online - this 'feature' is making the product virtually unnusable when collaborating on a document.

Are there any updated ways of switching this off? I've seen this has been an issue for users since September 2025 ...

Answer 1

This is one of those situations where you would want to be using the more feature-rich desktop application, which would allow you to simply view the final version without any markup or comments.

https://addbalance.com/word/download.htm#MicrosoftWordPrograms

Answer 2

No. In Word for the web, there is currently no direct setting to disable the Track Changes pop-ups/cards while keeping Track Changes enabled.

Supported workarounds:

1. Use Simple Markup in Review to reduce visual clutter.
2. If possible, open the document in the Word desktop app, which provides more control over how revisions are displayed.
3. In desktop Word, if ScreenTips are part of the distraction, they can be reduced from File > Options > General by setting ScreenTip style to Don’t show ScreenTips.
4. If the document does not need to keep tracked changes, permanently remove the markup by going to Review and using Accept or Reject. Hiding markup alone does not remove it.

If the document was shared with review requirements, Track Changes may not be possible to turn off for that file.

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References:

• How to turn off persistent pop-ups, dialogue and ToolTips in Word 365 in browser? - Microsoft Q&A
• Track changes in Word
• Accept or reject tracked changes in Word

Answer 3

The AI suggestion to enable Simple Markup does help a bit, at least temporarily. As far as I can tell, you can't make the option for Simple Markup sticky.

I agree with Charles that you get a lot more control if you use the full desktop Word application.

Answer 4

Dear @Bob ,

Good day! Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A forum!

Based on your description, I understand that the tracked-changes/comments area is taking up a large portion of the screen in Word for the web, making collaboration difficult.

In Word for the web, try changing the document from Reviewing to Editing mode using the mode selector at the top of the document. In Editing mode, your changes will not be shown as tracked changes.

If you still need Track Changes enabled but want to reclaim the screen space, the available display options are more limited in Word for the web than in the desktop application. If you have the desktop version of Word, select Open in Desktop and use Review > Show Markup > Balloons > Show All Revisions Inline. This displays revisions within the document instead of using the large margin area.

If the issue is specifically with the current Word Online interface and these options are not available in your version, please let us know whether you are seeing tracked-change balloons or the Comments pane, as the solution differs between the two.

Thank you, and I look forward to your update.

Answer 5

Hi Bob,

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A forum.

To disable the Track Changes pop-up, go to Review > Track Changes > Off.

After turning off Track Changes, please click Accept to accept the existing changes and remove any remaining red markup from the document.

If my response does not address the issue you are experiencing, please share more details. It would also be very helpful if you could provide a screenshot of the issue (please make sure to blur or remove any personal information before sharing).

Thank you for your patience and your understanding. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to share them in the comments on this post so I can continue to support you.

I look forward to continuing the conversation.

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