Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix Missing Word Toolbar and Undo Button

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to recover the Word toolbar and Undo button after an unintended page layout change.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Editing a document when the view suddenly changes to an unfamiliar layout.
Observed behavior: The editing toolbar becomes inaccessible and the Undo button disappears entirely, likely due to Word switching to Reading mode or hiding the Ribbon.

Before you start

Ensure your keyboard is functioning properly, specifically the Esc key, as you will need it to quickly exit full-screen document viewing modes.

Solution 1Recommended

Exit Reading Mode and Pin the Ribbon

Use this solution to quickly restore the standard editing view and lock your toolbar in place so the Undo button remains visible.

Microsoft Word often switches to Reading Mode automatically when opening certain email attachments or if the view icon is accidentally clicked. This mode hides editing tools to maximize reading space.

Exit Reading Mode

Press the 'Esc' key on your keyboard twice to exit Reading mode and force the document back into the standard Print Layout view.

Access Ribbon Display Options

Locate and click the three-dot menu icon (or the Ribbon Display Options arrow) positioned at the top right corner of the Word application window.

Enable Always Show Ribbon

Select 'Always Show Ribbon' from the drop-down menu. This ensures the toolbar, including your Undo button and formatting tools, stays permanently visible while you work.

Toolbar Restored: Your workspace should now display the full editing ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar. If the view is still abnormal, try restarting the application.

Never Lose Your Toolbar with WPS Writer

If you struggle with disappearing toolbars in your current word processor, try WPS Writer. It offers a stable, intuitive interface where essential tools like the Ribbon and the Undo button are always easily accessible and customizable.

1. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your document using the WPS Writer application.
2. Pin the Ribbon: Click the small pushpin icon at the top right corner of the window to permanently lock the ribbon open, ensuring your toolbars never disappear while typing.
3. Access the Undo Button: The Undo button is prominently displayed in the Quick Access Toolbar at the top left corner by default. You can also utilize the standard Ctrl+Z keyboard shortcut to reverse any action.

Intuitive, easily pinnable ribbon interfaceSeamless compatibility with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsLightweight program that runs smoothly on all PCsFree to use with built-in PDF tools

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Word document suddenly change to Reading mode?

This usually happens if you accidentally click the 'Read Mode' book icon in the bottom-right status bar, or if you open a document downloaded from the internet or an email attachment, which Word opens in Reading mode by default for security.

How do I get my Undo button back if it is missing from the top bar?

You can restore the Undo button by clicking the small downward-facing arrow next to the Quick Access Toolbar at the top-left corner of the window. In the drop-down menu, click on 'Undo' to add a checkmark next to it and pin it back to the bar.

What is the keyboard shortcut to show or hide the ribbon?

You can quickly toggle the visibility of the ribbon toolbar by pressing Ctrl + F1 on your keyboard. Pressing it once will collapse the ribbon, and pressing it again will restore it to full view.

Office App Problems