How to turn off the reviewing, editing, and view feature?

[Edit: I spoke too soon. After closing Word and reopening it, the button is back. Please wait a bit longer...]

I received the following response by email from the MVP contact at Microsoft:

[The development team] believe it may be related to a bug that was recently fixed. The fix should be in 16.0.15601.20148, which is currently rolling out to users. Are you able to verify if users still see the issue if they are on that build?

I just updated to the mentioned build of version 2208 (from my previous rollback to 2205), and the Edit/Reviewing/View button is gone. **** [See the "Edit" above.]

Unfortunately I didn't keep a record of the build that I had before the rollback, but I think it was the same 15601.20148 -- and the button was there at that time. It may have been a leftover bit from the 2206 or 2207 updates.

If you have the time to try this, using the same config.xml script but with TargetVersion="16.0.15601.20148" , please post the result here. I'm not sure whether the update will succeed if you already have the 15601 build with the button present; it may require a rollback followed by an update like I did.

If the update does remove the button, then test whether the interference with SVN or merges or other problems has stopped, and post that result as well.

I've opened a support ticket with Microsoft and pointed them to this thread so posting here does totally help.

Jay also says he has made a report to Microsoft? They'd be stupid if they took no notice of this forum.

I appreciate the suggestion to roll back but security is paramont. If Microsoft want to fundamentally change how Word behaves perhaps there should be a "try it" feature like the rounded corners I can turn on and off.

I have tried to give feedback about this issue, but to no avail. That is why I started this thread. Microsoft answered at the beginning, but did not help. At least people on here are trying to solve the problem with brainstorming. I just want the feature turned off. Do you know how?

Hi Amy,

My response was to David's specific statements. Many (most?) people posting here believe they are talking to Microsoft. I was attempting to correct that misapprehension and suggest at least some means of getting the message to people who can actually fix the problem.

All I know is that rolling back to version 2205 as suggested by Jay Freedman seems to control the issue for now.

Continue with the feedback to keep pressure on. Posting here does not do that.

I have tried to give feedback about this issue, but to no avail. That is why I started this thread. Microsoft answered at the beginning, but did not help. At least people on here are trying to solve the problem with brainstorming. I just want the feature turned off. Do you know how?

It is unacceptable to ask customers to roll back a version to fix this problem. Doing so also removes Security updates. For a law firm, that would be suicide.

Hi David,

People here can't fix the software. All any of us can do is to help you deal with the software that is. This is not the place to get any changes made in Word nor the attention of developers at Microsoft. This is an independent user-to-user support forum. MS does not see anything you post here. The way to get their attention is through the feedback mechanisms.

• How do I give feedback on Microsoft Office?
• Send Feedback to MS Developers
• Bonus Reading related to MS Feedback system

P.S. I am an attorney.