Do not rely on hiding markup
Choosing No Markup changes what Word displays but does not necessarily remove revisions. A recipient can switch the view and reveal insertions, deletions, formatting changes, and reviewer names.
Use the Review tab to accept or reject changes deliberately. Confirm that no unresolved revisions remain.
Delete comments and conversation threads
Use the Review controls to move through comments and remove them. Resolve is not the same as delete; resolved threads may remain stored in the file.
Check headers, footers, text boxes, footnotes, and sections that may not be visible in the current view.
Run Document Inspector
In desktop Word, use File, Info, Check for Issues, and Inspect Document. Review document properties, personal information, comments, revisions, hidden text, custom XML, and other available categories.
Save a separate cleaned copy before removing information so you retain an internal original when appropriate.
Reopen and verify the final DOCX
Close Word, reopen the exact file you will send, and confirm Track Changes is off, the Reviewing Pane is empty, comments are gone, and document properties no longer expose unwanted names.
If the recipient only needs to read the document, a reviewed PDF may reduce editable-document risks, but the PDF must also be checked for metadata, annotations, attachments, and incorrect redaction.
Final review checklist
- All changes accepted or rejected
- All comments deleted, not merely resolved
- Document Inspector completed
- Properties and author names reviewed
- Final saved copy reopened and verified