'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Restore the Previous Microsoft Office Color Palette Size
Question details
Users want to revert to the older, more compact font-color palette in Microsoft Office after a recent update enlarged it.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Applying font colors or accessing the color palette in Office applications.
- Observed behavior
- The font-color palette appears significantly enlarged, and there is no built-in toggle to revert it to its previous compact size.
Before attempting to roll back your Office version, check if your organization's IT policy allows you to run deployment commands or modify update settings on your computer.
Roll Back to a Previous Microsoft Office Version
Use the Office Deployment Tool to revert to a version before the enlarged color palette was introduced (e.g., version 16.0.16327.20248).
Microsoft frequently updates its UI, and the enlarged palette is an intentional design change. Reverting to an older version is currently the only technical workaround to restore the classic look.
Visit the official Microsoft Download Center, download the Office Deployment Tool, and extract its files to a designated folder on your computer.
Open the extracted XML configuration file in a text editor and specify your target build version, such as 16.0.16327.20248, which predates the palette update.
Open Command Prompt as an administrator, navigate to the folder containing the extracted files, and execute the setup command with your modified XML file to downgrade Office.
Open any Office application, navigate to File > Account > Update Options, and click 'Disable Updates' to prevent Office from automatically reinstalling the enlarged palette version.
Submit Feedback to Microsoft
If you cannot roll back the update, report the issue directly to Microsoft to request a built-in toggle for the palette size.
Switch to WPS Office for a Classic and Consistent Interface
Tired of unexpected UI changes in Microsoft Office? WPS Office offers a stable, familiar interface with a compact color palette, making it a perfect free alternative for your daily productivity needs without forced, disruptive updates.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install and Launch: Run the installer and open the application to access a classic, user-friendly interface.
- 3. Open Your Files: Seamlessly open your existing Microsoft Office documents and enjoy an uninterrupted, familiar workspace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the color palette size change in Microsoft Office?
Microsoft introduced the enlarged color palette in a recent update to improve accessibility and touch-screen usability. However, it currently lacks an option to switch back to the compact view for standard desktop users.
Can I change the color palette size without administrator rights?
No, rolling back the Office version to restore the smaller palette requires administrator privileges. If you are on a work computer, you will need to request assistance from your IT support team.
Will the compact color palette ever return to Office?
Microsoft relies on user feedback for future updates. If enough users request a toggle for the palette size via the Feedback Hub, Microsoft may include it as an option in a future release.
