Office Settings & Configuration

How to Enlarge the Office Ribbon and Toolbar on Windows

Partner Editor Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs a way to make the Office ribbon and toolbar larger for better readability, as they cannot find sizing options within the application.

How to Enlarge the Office Ribbon and Toolbar on Windows

Product: Microsoft Office
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Adjusting interface settings to improve screen visibility and accessibility while working in Office applications.
Observed behavior: The built-in Office theme settings only allow users to change interface colors but do not provide Medium or Large size options for the ribbon and toolbar.

Before you start

Keep in mind that Microsoft Office does not have a native setting to change the ribbon size independently. The solution requires adjusting your system-wide display settings, which will also enlarge text and interface elements in other applications.

Solution 1Recommended

Increase Display Scaling in Windows Settings

Use the Windows Display settings to increase the overall scale of your screen, which directly enlarges the Office ribbon and toolbar.

Since Office scales its user interface based on your operating system's resolution and scaling settings, adjusting the Windows Display Scale is the only effective way to make the ribbon larger.

Open Windows Settings

Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard, or click the Start button and select the gear icon to open Settings.

Navigate to Display Settings

Click on System from the main Settings menu, then select Display from the left-hand sidebar.

Adjust the Scale Percentage

Scroll down to the 'Scale and layout' section. Click the drop-down menu under 'Change the size of text, apps, and other items'.

Select a Higher Scale

Choose a larger percentage, such as 125% or 150%. Your screen will briefly refresh, and the Microsoft Office ribbon, along with other apps, will now appear larger.

Increase Display Scaling in Windows Settings

System-Wide Effect: This display change is applied globally across Windows. Your desktop icons, web browser, and third-party software will also be scaled up to match the new percentage.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience a Clean, Custom-Scaled Interface with WPS Office

If you are frustrated by the customization limitations of Microsoft Office, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly readable interface that adapts flawlessly to your Windows display scaling, ensuring optimal visibility without sacrificing system resources.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free desktop application for Windows.
2. Install and Open: Run the installer. Once finished, open WPS Office to immediately view its crisp, readable interface.
3. Edit Existing Files: Drag and drop your Microsoft Office files directly into WPS Office to continue working seamlessly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formatsClean, intuitive user interface that scales smoothly on high-resolution displaysLightweight architecture ensures fast load times on all Windows devices

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the ribbon size directly within Office settings?

No, Office does not provide an independent setting to enlarge the ribbon. The 'Office Theme' options under File > Account only allow you to change interface colors, such as switching to Dark Mode.

Will increasing the Windows display scale affect my web browser?

Yes. Adjusting the scale in Windows Settings is a system-wide change, meaning your web browser, desktop icons, and other third-party applications will also appear larger.

Is there a way to only enlarge the text inside my document without changing the ribbon?

Yes. If you only want the document text to appear larger, use the Zoom slider located in the bottom-right corner of the Office window, or hold the Ctrl key while scrolling up with your mouse wheel.

Office App Problems