How to Remove the Happy and Sad Feedback Icons in Microsoft Office
Question details
The user wants to know how to hide or permanently remove the smile (happy) and frown (sad) feedback icons located at the top of Microsoft Office application windows.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Customizing the Microsoft Office workspace to remove unwanted interface elements and achieve a cleaner look.
- Observed behavior
- The happy and sad feedback buttons are permanently displayed in the application window and cannot be toggled off through standard settings.
Keep in mind that these feedback icons are hardcoded into the Microsoft Office interface by design. Avoid downloading third-party patches that claim to remove them, as these can compromise your software security.
Submit a Feature Request to Microsoft
Since the feedback icons cannot be removed natively in current versions of Microsoft Office, the best course of action is to submit a request to Microsoft for a customization toggle.
Microsoft uses the happy and sad icons to collect direct user feedback, bug reports, and suggestions. Because it is a core telemetry feature, there is no official setting under 'Options' to hide it.
If you want Microsoft to introduce an option to hide these buttons in a future update, you can voice your request through the official Windows Feedback Hub.
Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type 'Feedback Hub' into the search bar, and press Enter to launch the application.
Click on the 'Report a problem' or 'Suggest a feature' button located on the main dashboard of the Feedback Hub.
Explain that you would like a setting to hide the happy and sad feedback icons in the title bar of Microsoft Office applications, then click 'Submit'.
Try WPS Office for a Cleaner, Distraction-Free Workspace
If you are frustrated by unremovable interface elements like the feedback icons in Microsoft Office, consider switching to WPS Office. It offers a sleek, customizable interface without forced clutter, allowing you to focus entirely on your work.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to install the suite.
- 3. Open Your Files Seamlessly: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents without losing any formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove the feedback icons using a Windows Registry tweak?
While older versions of Office occasionally allowed registry modifications to hide certain interface elements, modern versions like Microsoft 365 and Office 2021 have these buttons hardcoded into the UI. Registry tweaks are no longer effective for removing them.
Where else do these feedback icons appear in Microsoft Office?
In addition to the top-right corner of the main application window, you will also find a dedicated Feedback section with these icons by navigating to File > Feedback.
Will reinstalling Microsoft Office get rid of the smile and frown icons?
No, uninstalling and reinstalling the software will not remove these icons. They are a permanent built-in feature of the standard Microsoft Office installation package.
