Remove comments and personal details from a Word file
Hiding comments and tracked changes in Word doesn't remove them. Someone who receives the file may still be able to see old wording, reviewer notes and author names. Make a copy, then clean up what you don't want to send.
1. Decide which edits to keep
Open the document in Word with tracked changes showing. Settle any edits you're unsure about first. The cleaner's Accept tracked changes option keeps suggested additions and removes suggested deletions. If the reader needs to see the editing history, agree on that before removing it.
2. Choose the cleanup options
Open Document metadata. Leave Remove comments on to remove reviewer discussions. Leave Accept tracked changes on only if you want the suggested edits applied. Choose your .docx copy. Older .doc files need to be saved in a supported newer format first. The file stays in your browser.
3. Read the report and download the copy
Check the author, company and revision details, then choose Download clean file. If you turn off comment removal or change acceptance, those comments or edits stay in the file. The tool replaces supported reviewer names with Author, but private wording can still remain. If you see a warning about tracked cell merges, sort out those table edits in Word and try again.
4. Reopen it in Word
Look through the review pane, tables, headers, footers and text boxes. Search for names or wording you meant to remove. Read around the accepted edits to make sure the sentences still say what you intended. Names written on the page, hidden text and content inside attached or embedded objects need their own check.
5. Check again after the last edit
If your Word version has it, try File, Info, Check for Issues, Inspect Document on the sharing copy. Read what it finds before removing anything else. Editing and saving can add author details again, so check the version you'll actually send. Give it a filename that doesn't reveal a private client or project.
Good to know
This cleanup removes supported saved properties and editing details. It doesn't read every word or hide personal information written in the document. Keep the original and review the downloaded copy before sharing it.