How to Turn Off Compatibility Mode in Word (3 Methods)

Updated 4 min read Video

Quick answer

To turn off Compatibility Mode in Word, open the document, go to File > Info and click Convert, then click OK in the upgrade message. Save the document with Ctrl+S so the title bar no longer shows Compatibility Mode and every current Word feature is available.

Watch the video walkthrough

Compatibility Mode means Word is limiting itself to features an older version understands. Converting the file takes about 10 seconds and unlocks everything, but saving afterwards is the step people miss.

Checking whether a document is in Compatibility Mode

Use this when a feature is greyed out and you’re not sure why.

Look at the title bar. If Compatibility Mode appears after the file name, the document is limited. To see which version it’s set for:

  1. Go to File > Info.
  2. Click Check for Issues > Check Compatibility.
  3. Click Select versions to show.

A check mark marks the current mode. Microsoft lists four: Word 2013-2016 mode, Word 2013 mode, Word 2010 Compatibility Mode and Word 2007 Compatibility Mode.

Word 2013 documents don’t show Compatibility Mode in newer versions, because their formats are already compatible.

Converting the document from File > Info

Use this when you want to upgrade the open file in place. This is the method shown in the video.

  1. Open the document in Word for Windows.
  2. Click File > Info.
  3. Click Convert.
  4. A message says the document will be upgraded to the newest file format, which may cause minor layout changes. Click OK.
  5. Press Ctrl + S to save.

Result: Compatibility Mode disappears from the title bar and Word’s newer features are available in the document.

The steps match Microsoft’s guide to converting documents to a newer format.

Warning: Convert clears the old compatibility options, so the layout can shift slightly. Scroll through tables, columns and page breaks before you send the file on.

If the file was a .doc file, check its name after saving. It should now end in .docx.

Saving a new copy in the current format

Use this when you want to keep the original file untouched, or when Convert isn’t available.

  1. Click File > Save As and choose a location.
  2. Type a new file name.
  3. In Save as type, choose Word Document (*.docx).
  4. If you see Maintain compatibility with previous versions of Word, make sure it is cleared.
  5. Click Save.

Result: You get a new .docx copy in the current format. The original stays in Compatibility Mode for anyone who still needs it.

On a Mac: open the File menu. If Convert Document is listed, choose it and save. Otherwise, use File > Save As, set File Format to Word Document (.docx) and save under a new name.

Converting a document in Word for the web

Use this when you work in the browser and a feature such as inserting pictures is blocked.

Word for the web edits most Compatibility Mode .docx files normally. A .doc file opens view-only, though.

  1. Open the .doc file and try to edit it. Word for the web offers to convert it.
  2. Click Convert. Word makes a .docx copy of the file.
  3. Click Edit to keep working in the new copy.

For a .docx file saved in Word 97-2003 compatibility, choose Editing > Open in Desktop, click File > Info > Convert, and save. Microsoft describes both cases in Using compatibility mode in Word for the web.

Comparing the methods

MethodBest forWorks on
File > Info > ConvertUpgrading the open file in placeWord for Windows
Save As .docxKeeping the original as a backupWindows, Mac
Convert in the browser.doc files opened from OneDrive or SharePointWord for the web

Platform differences

  • Windows: Convert is on the File > Info page, and appears only while the document is in Compatibility Mode.
  • Mac: use Convert Document if your File menu shows it, or Save As .docx.
  • Word for the web: converts .doc files into a new .docx copy. Other conversions need the desktop app.
  • Google Docs: converting a Word file to Google Docs also removes the old format. See how to open Word files in Google Docs.

Troubleshooting Compatibility Mode

  • It comes back the next time you open the file: you converted but didn’t save, or saved over the old .doc. Convert, then save as .docx.
  • Every new document opens in Compatibility Mode: go to File > Options > Save and set Save files in this format to Word Document (*.docx).
  • The Convert button is missing: check the title bar. If it no longer says Compatibility Mode, the document is already in the current format. Otherwise, use Save As .docx.
  • A recovered document opens in Compatibility Mode: once you’ve recovered the unsaved document and saved it, convert it with the steps above.
  • Editing is still blocked after converting: Compatibility Mode wasn’t the cause; the file may be protected or marked final, so unlock the selection in Word.
  • The file came from Microsoft Works or WPS Office: first open the WPS file in Word and save it as .docx.

Merging several old .doc files into one? Combine them into a single Word document and convert the result once. More fixes are in the Microsoft Word guides.

Frequently asked questions

Why does Word say Compatibility Mode?

The document was created in, or saved for, an older version of Word, such as Word 2007, Word 2010 or the .doc format. Word turns off newer features so people with those versions can still edit it.

Will converting a document change its layout?

It can, slightly. Convert clears the old compatibility options, so spacing, tables or line breaks may shift. Check long or carefully formatted documents after converting.

Why does my document keep opening in Compatibility Mode?

You probably didn't save after converting, or you saved with Maintain compatibility with previous versions of Word selected. Convert again, clear that box in Save As if you see it, and save.

Should I turn off Compatibility Mode if I share the file?

If everyone uses Word 2013 or later, Microsoft 365, or Word for the web, yes. If someone still uses Word 2007 or 2010, keep Compatibility Mode so they can edit every part of the file.

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