Track Changes is useful during review, but final documents usually need the edits accepted and the colored markup removed. Word can accept every tracked change at once or let you review them individually.
Does this affect you?
Use this for Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2021, and Word 2019 on Windows or Mac when a document is full of insertions, deletions, formatting marks, and reviewer colors. Comments are related but handled separately.
Accept every change in the document at once
Use this only after everyone agrees on the final version.
- Open the document.
- Go to the Review tab.
- In the Changes group, click the small arrow beside or below Accept.
- Choose Accept All Changes, or Accept All Changes and Stop Tracking if your version offers it.
- Save the document.
All tracked insertions, deletions, and formatting changes become permanent. Comment bubbles are not deleted by accepting changes.
Review and accept changes one at a time
Use this when some edits should be kept and others rejected.
- Go to Review.
- Click Next in the Changes group.
- Read the highlighted change.
- Click Accept to keep it or Reject to undo it.
- Continue until Word reports there are no more tracked changes.
More control
Delete comments separately
To remove comments, go to Review > Delete in the Comments group and choose Delete All Comments in Document.
Accept one reviewer only
Open Review > Show Markup > Specific People, show only the reviewer you want, then accept all visible changes. Word applies the command to the currently visible changes.
Stop tracking new edits
Accept All Changes does not always turn off tracking. If Track Changes is still highlighted on the Review tab, click it off or use the option that includes Stop Tracking.
Check your reviewer name
Before sending a document for review, check File > Options > General and confirm the name under Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office. That name appears on your comments and tracked changes.
Sources
- Microsoft Support – Accept or reject tracked changes (2025)
- Microsoft Support – Track changes in Word (2025)
- Microsoft Support – Turn Track Changes on or off (2025)