This article explains how to delete and resolve comments in a Microsoft Word document. The instructions in this article apply to Word 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019; Word Online (Microsoft 365); and Word for Mac, unless otherwise noted.

The ability to leave comments on a Word document is essential when collaborating with others on the file, but eventually those comments need to be removed or resolved. In Microsoft Word, you can remove the comments or resolve the comments.

Deleting a comment removes it from the document permanently. Resolving a comment marks it as done, but leaves behind a record of the comment. If you are using a version of Word earlier than Word 2016, comments can only be deleted.

When you are finished with a comment and want to delete it, select it and click the Review tab in the ribbon at the top of the screen. In the Review tab, click Delete.