Office Settings & Configuration

How to Disable Microsoft 365 Feature Prompts but Keep ScreenTips

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users want to disable new feature-introduction prompts (such as 'Relaxed or tighter layout? You choose.') introduced in Microsoft 365 Apps version 2402 without turning off standard, useful hover descriptions.

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Using Microsoft 365 apps after updating to version 2402 and encountering unwanted UI feature prompts.
Observed behavior: Disabling ScreenTips in the settings successfully stops the feature prompts but also inadvertently removes the standard hover descriptions on toolbar icons.

Before you start

Verify your current Microsoft 365 build version. Do not disable 'Show feature descriptions in ScreenTips' in your Word Options if you rely on standard icon hover descriptions for your daily work.

Solution 1Recommended

Review Microsoft 365 Administration Policies

Check if organizational Group Policies can suppress feature-introduction messages without affecting standard ScreenTips.

The standard ScreenTip settings in Word Options do not currently differentiate between basic hover descriptions and the new feature-introduction messages. Therefore, adjusting local settings will affect both.

System administrators may have additional tools available to manage what notifications users see across the organization.

Consult Documentation

Review the official Microsoft 365 administration documentation for newly added Group Policy Administrative Templates related to version 2402.

Check Admin Center

If you are an IT administrator, log in to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center to see if a global policy has been introduced to manage 'What's New' and feature-introduction prompts.

Administrative Access Required: Only IT administrators have the authority to deploy Group Policies across an organization's Microsoft 365 environment.

Solution 2

Report the Issue to Microsoft

Since there is no local toggle to separate these prompts from hover descriptions, reporting the issue helps prioritize an official fix.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Distraction-Free Experience

Tired of intrusive feature prompts and confusing settings in Microsoft 365? WPS Office offers a streamlined, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that keeps you focused on your work without unwanted UI interruptions.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install the Application: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your device.
3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Microsoft Office files with full format compatibility and standard hover descriptions intact.

No intrusive feature-introduction prompts to interrupt your workflowFully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formatsLightweight application that runs smoothly even on older devicesFamiliar user interface requiring zero learning curve

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I see 'Relaxed or tighter layout' prompts in Word?

This is a new feature-introduction prompt added in Microsoft 365 Apps version 2402 to highlight UI changes. It appears automatically to users who have recently received the update.

Can I disable feature prompts in Word Options without losing hover descriptions?

Currently, you cannot. The standard ScreenTip settings in Word Options control both feature introductions and useful hover descriptions. Disabling one inadvertently disables the other.

Will Microsoft fix the ScreenTip settings issue?

The issue has been widely reported to the Microsoft product team. Users should monitor Microsoft 365 release notes for future updates that may provide granular control over these specific feature prompts.

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