Office Settings & Configuration

How to Manage or Disable the Show Your Pride Theme in Microsoft Office

Phi Hung VoPhi Hung Vo Oct 28, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users want to know how to manage, disable, or remove the 'Show Your Pride' theme in Microsoft Office settings to maintain a neutral software interface.

How to Manage or Disable the Show Your Pride Theme in Microsoft Office
Product
Microsoft Office
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Customizing the Microsoft Office interface appearance and themes to remove unwanted optional messaging.
Observed behavior
The 'Show Your Pride' theme appears as an option in Microsoft Office preferences, and users cannot find a way to permanently delete the theme from the software.
Before you start

Check your current Microsoft Office version, as the location of interface personalization and theme settings may vary slightly between Microsoft 365 and older standalone versions.

Solution 1Recommended

Select a Standard Microsoft Office Theme

Since Microsoft does not allow users to individually delete built-in themes, the most effective approach is to simply select a standard, neutral theme and leave the optional themes disabled.

Microsoft Office includes several pre-installed themes. While you cannot uninstall the 'Show Your Pride' theme, choosing an alternative theme ensures that your interface remains strictly functional and free of customized messaging.

1
Open Office Options

Launch any Microsoft Office application, such as Word or Excel. Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the ribbon, then select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.

2
Navigate to General Settings

In the Word Options (or Excel Options) dialog box, make sure the 'General' tab is selected on the left-hand side.

3
Locate Personalize Settings

Scroll down to the section labeled 'Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office'.

4
Change the Office Theme

Click the dropdown menu next to 'Office Theme' and select a neutral option such as 'Colorful', 'Dark Gray', 'Black', or 'White'. Ensure any specific checkboxes related to optional themes are cleared, then click 'OK' to save your changes.

Select a Standard Microsoft Office Theme
Theme Removal Limitations: Built-in themes are hardcoded into the Microsoft Office installation package. They cannot be completely uninstalled or permanently removed; they can only be bypassed by selecting a different active theme.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Neutral, Focused Productivity Experience

If you prefer a streamlined office suite without forced UI themes or optional sociopolitical messaging, WPS Office is an excellent free alternative. It provides a clean, professional interface focused purely on productivity while maintaining full compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats.

  1. 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
  2. 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
  3. 3. Enjoy a Focused Workspace: Open WPS Office and start creating or editing your documents in a distraction-free, highly compatible environment.
Clean, professional UI with no intrusive or unremovable custom themes.Seamless compatibility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Lightweight installation that uses fewer system resources than traditional office suites.Free to use with a familiar ribbon layout, making migration effortless.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I permanently delete the Show Your Pride theme from Microsoft Office?

No. Microsoft does not currently provide a method to individually delete or uninstall built-in themes from the software package. The only solution is to choose not to enable it by selecting a different theme in your settings.

Where do I find theme settings in Microsoft Office for Mac?

On a Mac, open an Office application like Word, click on 'Word' in the top macOS menu bar, select 'Preferences', and then click on 'General'. You will find the interface personalization and theme options in this menu.

Does choosing a different Office UI theme affect how my documents print?

No, Microsoft Office UI themes only change the appearance of the application's interface (such as the ribbon and window colors). They do not alter the formatting, document themes, or printed output of your actual files.