Update & Upgrade Problems

Office Update Removed Word Scrolling Buttons (Explained)

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are reporting that the up and down scrolling arrows in ribbon menus, such as the Word Styles gallery, have disappeared after applying a recent Office update.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Navigating the ribbon and using the Styles gallery in Microsoft Word.
Observed behavior: The traditional up and down scrolling arrows have been removed and replaced with a single expand button.

Before you start

Verify your current Microsoft Office version to confirm you have received the latest UI update, and ensure your device is connected to the internet so you can submit feedback to Microsoft.

Solution 1Recommended

Adapt to the New Expand Button and Submit Feedback

This interface modification was an intentional change by Microsoft for accessibility and space optimization. There is no supported setting to revert it.

Microsoft intentionally made this change to meet strict accessibility requirements and to optimize the limited vertical space on the ribbon. Because this is a permanent design update built into the new version of Office, there is no hidden setting, registry key, or official method to restore the old up and down scrolling arrows.

Use the expand button

Instead of scrolling, click the single expand button located at the bottom right of the Styles gallery to view all available styles at once.

Open the Help menu

Navigate to the 'Help' tab on the top ribbon in Microsoft Word.

Submit feedback

Click on 'Feedback' (or use the Microsoft Feedback Portal online). Choose the option to suggest a feature or report a problem, and politely explain that you prefer the old scrolling arrows. Microsoft tracks these reports to evaluate future changes.

Tracking Bug Created: This issue has been reported to Microsoft and a tracking bug exists. If enough users provide feedback through the official channels, Microsoft may reconsider this interface change.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Classic and User-Friendly Interface

If unexpected interface changes in Microsoft Office updates disrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative with a classic ribbon layout that feels instantly familiar.

1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to install the software.
3. Open your documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx files to enjoy a stable and intuitive formatting toolbar.

Familiar classic ribbon interface without unexpected UI removalsSeamless format compatibility with Microsoft Word (.docx)Lightweight installation and fast startup timesFree to use for everyday document creation and editing

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Microsoft remove the scrolling arrows in Word?

The change was an intentional design update made to meet specific accessibility requirements and to better manage the limited vertical space available on the Word ribbon.

Is there a hidden setting or registry tweak to bring the arrows back?

No. Because this was a core design change to the interface, there is currently no supported setting, registry key, or configuration option to restore the original up and down scrolling arrows.

Will Microsoft ever bring the scrolling buttons back?

A tracking bug has been created based on user reports. If a significant number of users submit feedback requesting the feature via the Help > Feedback tool, Microsoft may evaluate and reconsider the change in a future update.

Installation & Activation