Microsoft 365: Compare or Combine Files Using Word

Summary

This article provides information on comparing/combining two files using Microsoft Word.

Body

Environment

Microsoft 365, Word on Windows & Mac

Issue

I have two versions of the same document that I would like to compare and/or combine into a single document using Microsoft Word.

Resolution

In Microsoft Word, documents can be compared or combined using the Compare tool on the "Review" ribbon at the top of the open document. Further guidance on how to find and use the Compare tool is available on the following Microsoft Support pages:

Note: Microsoft Word for Mac Version 16.109 may present issues where Microsoft Word files are greyed out and cannot be selected when attempting to compare files. A workaround solution is available on the Microsoft Support page for Files are grayed out when using the compare feature in Word for Mac.

Additional Information

Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.

Details

Article ID: 15416

Created

Thu 5/21/26 9:34 AM

Modified

Thu 5/21/26 4:31 PM

Related Services / Offerings

Related Services / Offerings (1)

ITS-Office 365 at U-M

This service is an all-in-one Software as a Service. This offering is not intended to replace Google as the primary productivity tool for U-M academic campuses. U-M Microsoft Office 365 is available to current UM faculty, staff, students, sponsored affiliates, and emeritus with regular (not temporary) uniqnames. Alumni and retirees are not included in the university's licensing terms with Microsoft. Collaboration & Learning: - Productivity (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote) - OneDrive - SharePoint Online - Forms Classroom Tools: - OneNote Class Notebook More Inclusive Classrooms: - Learning Tools - Accessibility Checker - Office Lens Game Based Learning: - Minecraft Education Edition