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How to Disable Backstage View in Word and Excel
Question details
The user wants to bypass or disable the Quick Access Backstage view in Microsoft Word or Excel to prevent interference with add-ins.
- Product
- Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Opening or saving files using keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+O without triggering the Backstage view.
- Observed behavior
- The Backstage view appears when using shortcuts, which slows down workflow and causes conflicts with certain installed add-ins.
Ensure you have saved any open documents and take note of which specific add-ins are currently causing conflicts in your Word or Excel application before changing advanced settings.
Bypass Backstage View via Microsoft Office Advanced Settings
Use the built-in application options to skip the Backstage view when opening or saving files with keyboard shortcuts.
This setting allows you to bypass the Quick Access screen in the Backstage view, opening the traditional file picker directly. It is highly effective for resolving conflicts with third-party add-ins that struggle to render over the Backstage interface.
Open Microsoft Word or Excel, click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner to open the Backstage view, and select 'Options' at the bottom of the left-hand menu.
In the Word Options or Excel Options dialog box, click on the 'Advanced' tab located in the left pane.
Scroll down the main window until you locate the 'Save' section. Check the box next to 'Don't show the Backstage when opening or saving files with keyboard shortcuts'.
Click 'OK' to apply the changes. Press Ctrl+O on your keyboard to verify that the standard Windows file picker opens directly, bypassing the Backstage view.
Try WPS Office for a Streamlined, Conflict-Free Experience
If Microsoft Office add-ins and complex Backstage settings are slowing down your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with a clean interface that doesn't suffer from heavy Backstage view conflicts.
- 1. Download and Install: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and run the quick installer.
- 2. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer or Spreadsheets and seamlessly open your existing Microsoft Office files.
- 3. Enjoy a Direct Workflow: Press Ctrl+O to instantly access the straightforward file picker without any bulky Backstage screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does disabling the Backstage view turn off the Quick Access Toolbar?
No, the Backstage view and the Quick Access Toolbar are entirely separate features. Disabling the Backstage view for keyboard shortcuts will not remove or affect your customizable Quick Access Toolbar at the top of the window.
Why do add-ins conflict with the Backstage view in Excel or Word?
Certain older or custom third-party add-ins are not fully optimized for the modern Backstage UI in Microsoft Office. When the Backstage view is triggered, these legacy integrations can cause the application to freeze or the add-in to fail.
Will this setting affect how I save documents using the mouse?
No, checking 'Don't show the Backstage when opening or saving files with keyboard shortcuts' only applies to keyboard inputs like Ctrl+O or Ctrl+S. Clicking File > Save or File > Open with your mouse will still display the Backstage view.
How do I completely remove the Quick Access section in the Backstage view?
Microsoft Office does not offer a native setting to completely remove or hide the Quick Access document list from the Backstage view itself. You can only bypass the screen entirely using the keyboard shortcut setting in the Advanced options.
