How to Restore Missing Ribbon Display Options in Office 2019
Question details
The user needs to locate and restore the Ribbon Display Options to unhide or customize the ribbon menus in Word and Excel.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2019
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Trying to unhide or adjust the ribbon when the classic display options button is missing.
- Observed behavior
- The traditional Ribbon Display Options icon is missing from the top right corner due to recent Office 2019 updates, preventing the user from toggling the ribbon display normally.
Keep in mind that recent Microsoft Office 2019 updates have permanently changed the appearance and location of the ribbon display controls, replacing the classic menu with right-click options and a simplified arrow toggle.
Double-Click a Ribbon Tab to Expand the Display
The quickest way to restore a collapsed or minimized ribbon without using the display options menu is to double-click any of the main tabs.
If your ribbon is hidden and you only see the tab names (like Home, Insert, or Layout), you can easily pin the full ribbon back to the top of your screen using a simple mouse shortcut.
Launch Word or Excel and open any document so the primary interface loads.
Look at the very top of the application window where the tab names (e.g., Home, Insert, Page Layout) are listed.
Double-click any tab except the 'File' tab. This action will immediately expand the ribbon and pin it so it remains visible while you work.
Use the Right-Click Context Menu
Since recent updates removed the classic drop-down menu, you can use the right-click context menu to manage and customize the ribbon.
Locate the Simplified Ribbon Toggle Arrow
If your Office interface has been updated to the newer Microsoft 365 style experience, the display icon is now a small directional arrow.
Experience a Familiar and Stable Ribbon Interface with WPS Office
If unexpected user interface changes and missing buttons in Office 2019 are slowing down your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, stable, and classic tabbed ribbon interface completely free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Ribbon Display Options icon disappear in Office 2019?
Microsoft frequently rolls out user interface updates to Office 2019. A recent update replaced the traditional Ribbon Display Options box icon with a more minimal right-click menu approach and a small toggle arrow on the far-right side of the screen.
How do I stop the ribbon from hiding automatically in Excel or Word?
To pin the ribbon in place so it stops hiding, simply double-click any main tab (such as Home or Insert). Alternatively, right-click an empty area of the ribbon and uncheck the 'Collapse the Ribbon' option.
Is the AutoHide Ribbon feature completely removed from Office 2019?
Yes, in many of the newer builds of Office 2019 and Microsoft 365, the classic 'AutoHide' option from the drop-down menu has been phased out. It has generally been replaced by a simplified Full Screen mode or the basic collapse/pin arrow functions.
