Track Changes records every edit in a Word document so others can review them. When you’re done reviewing, you’ll want to turn it off, but there’s a catch: switching it off stops recording new edits; it doesn’t remove the red markup already in the file. This guide shows how to turn Track Changes off in Word for Microsoft 365, clear existing changes, and handle documents where the button is locked.
Quick Answer
Go to the Review tab and click Track Changes so it’s no longer highlighted (or press Ctrl + Shift + E). To remove existing tracked edits, click the arrow under Accept and choose Accept All Changes and Stop Tracking (or use Reject to undo them).
Turn Off Track Changes (Windows and Mac)
- Open the document and click the Review tab.
- Click the Track Changes button. When it’s highlighted, tracking is on; click it so it’s not highlighted.
- Shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + E (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + E (Mac).
In newer versions, the Track Changes dropdown may offer For Everyone and Just Mine. Choose the button itself to turn tracking off entirely.
Remove Existing Tracked Changes
- Keep all edits: Review > Accept arrow > Accept All Changes (or Accept All Changes and Stop Tracking).
- Undo all edits: Review > Reject arrow > Reject All Changes.
- Review one by one: use Next and Previous, then Accept or Reject each change.
- Remove comments too: Review > Delete arrow > Delete All Comments in Document.
Hiding Markup Isn’t the Same as Removing It
The Simple Markup, All Markup, and No Markup options only change what you see. With No Markup, changes are hidden on your screen but still in the file, and others may see them. Always accept or reject changes before sharing a final version. Run File > Info > Check for Issues > Inspect Document to confirm no tracked changes or comments remain.
Word for the Web
- Click the Review tab.
- Click Track Changes and choose Off (or switch the editing mode from Reviewing to Editing in the top-right mode menu).
- Use Accept or Reject in the Review tab to clear existing changes.
Track Changes Is Grayed Out or Locked
- Lock Tracking: the author may have used Track Changes > Lock Tracking with a password. Click it again and enter the password to unlock.
- Restrict Editing: if Review > Restrict Editing is set to “Tracked changes,” click Stop Protection (password may be required).
- Protected View or read-only: click Enable Editing first.
- Shared document: some organizational policies force tracking; ask the document owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do changes still show after I turned tracking off?
Turning tracking off doesn’t remove past edits. Accept or reject them.
Will turning off Track Changes affect other people?
Yes. In a shared document, tracking is a document setting, so turning it off stops tracking for everyone’s edits (unless you use the Just Mine option).
Summary
- Click Review > Track Changes to turn it off (Ctrl + Shift + E).
- Accept or reject existing changes to remove markup.
- Don’t rely on No Markup view for final documents.
- Unlock tracking or stop protection if the button is grayed out.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.