Word doesn’t keep a complete log of every edit, but there are three ways to see what changed. If the document is saved to OneDrive or SharePoint, go to File > Info > Version History to open earlier saved versions. To record edits going forward, turn on Review > Track Changes. To compare two copies, use Review > Compare.
Quick Answer
Saved online: File > Info > Version History. Future edits: Review > Track Changes. Two files: Review > Compare.
Method 1: Version History (OneDrive or SharePoint)
- Open the document from OneDrive, SharePoint, or Teams.
- Click File > Info > Version History, or click the file name at the top and choose Version History.
- The pane lists saved versions with dates and the person who saved them.
- Click Open version to view one. You can then Restore it or copy text from it.
Files saved only on your PC don’t have Version History. Windows File History, if turned on, may keep older copies; right-click the file > Properties > Previous Versions.
Method 2: Track Changes
- Go to Review and click Track Changes (or press Ctrl + Shift + E).
- Edits now appear as colored insertions and deletions, with the editor’s name.
- Use Review > Reviewing Pane for a list of every change.
- Accept or reject changes with the Accept and Reject buttons.
Track Changes only records edits made after it’s turned on.
Method 3: Compare Two Versions
- Go to Review > Compare > Compare.
- Select the Original document and the Revised document.
- Click OK. Word opens a new document showing every difference as tracked changes.
Which Method to Use
| Situation | Best method |
|---|---|
| File stored in OneDrive or SharePoint | Version History |
| You want to see edits from now on | Track Changes |
| You have an old copy and a new copy | Compare |
| Local file, no tracking | Previous Versions or a backup, if available |
| You only need the last change | Ctrl + Z to undo |
Before sharing a document, you may want to anonymize comments.
For Google Docs, see spotting pasted text in Google Docs.
To check dates, see when a Word document was created.
To accept only formatting edits, see accepting all formatting changes.
Troubleshooting
- Version History is grayed out: The file isn’t saved to OneDrive or SharePoint. Save it there to start keeping versions.
- Track Changes shows no names: Check File > Options > General > User name. To hide names before sharing, see how to remove author information in Word.
- Tracked changes keep appearing: Accept or reject all changes, then turn Track Changes off.
Working in spreadsheets too? See how to view cell history in Google Sheets.
Related: Get a Word document back to normal view.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see who edited a Word document?
Yes, in Version History for online files, or in Track Changes if it was on during editing.
Can I see edit history for a file saved on my computer?
Only if Track Changes was on, or if you have earlier copies from backups or Previous Versions.
How long are versions kept?
OneDrive and SharePoint keep many previous versions; the exact number depends on your account or your organization’s settings.
Summary
- Use File > Info > Version History for online files.
- Turn on Track Changes to record future edits.
- Use Compare to find differences between two copies.
- Check Previous Versions for local files.
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.