Office Settings & Configuration

How to Revert Microsoft 365 Apps to the Classic Interface

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to disable the visual refresh in Microsoft 365 and revert to the classic interface for applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

How to Revert Microsoft 365 Apps to the Classic Interface

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: The user is dissatisfied with the recent "New Experience" UI update in Microsoft Office and wants to restore the familiar classic look to improve their workflow.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Office applications have automatically updated to a new visual layout (Visual Refresh) that the user prefers not to use.

Before you start

Editing the Windows Registry can cause system instability if done incorrectly. It is highly recommended to back up your registry or create a Windows system restore point before making any modifications.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable the Visual Refresh via Registry Editor

Use the Windows Registry Editor to force Microsoft 365 applications to load without the new visual overrides, reverting them to the classic look.

This method involves modifying Office configuration keys manually. Because Microsoft 365 is constantly updated, future software updates may overwrite this setting, meaning you may occasionally need to reapply the fix or submit feedback to Microsoft if the classic interface is entirely deprecated.

Open the Registry Editor

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type 'regedit' and press Enter to launch the Registry Editor. Grant administrator permissions if prompted.

Navigate to the ExperimentConfigs Key

In the Registry Editor address bar, paste the following path and press Enter: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\ExperimentConfigs\ExternalFeatureOverrides

Modify the Application Key

Expand the 'ExternalFeatureOverrides' folder. You will see subkeys for 'word', 'excel', and 'powerpoint'. Click on the application you want to revert (e.g., 'word').

Create or Edit the String Value

Right-click in the right pane, select 'New' > 'String Value', and name it 'Microsoft.Office.UXPlatform.Fluency.RibbonOverride'. Double-click this new value, set its Value data to 'false', and click OK. Restart your Office application to see the classic interface.

Disable the Visual Refresh via Registry Editor

Microsoft Updates: If you cannot find these registry paths or if the interface does not change after restarting, the rollback ability might have been permanently disabled by a recent Microsoft 365 build.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Familiar and Classic Interface

If Microsoft 365's constant UI updates disrupt your workflow and registry edits are too complex, consider switching to WPS Office. It offers a clean, familiar interface out of the box, allowing you to focus on your work without worrying about sudden visual overhauls.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click 'Download WPS Office Free' to get the latest version.
2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the quick on-screen setup instructions.
3. Enjoy a Familiar Experience: Open WPS Office and immediately start working in a familiar, stable interface that highly resembles the classic Office layout.

Familiar classic ribbon interface that requires zero learning curve.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Lightweight application that runs smoothly on both older and newer devices.Free to use with powerful essential office tools built-in.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this registry edit permanently keep the classic interface in Microsoft 365?

No. Because Microsoft 365 operates on a continuous update model, future feature updates may override your registry modifications or completely remove the underlying code for the classic interface.

Can I revert the interface using an in-app setting instead of the registry?

Initially, Microsoft provided a megaphone icon in the title bar to toggle the 'Upcoming features' or Visual Refresh on and off. However, in newer builds, this toggle has often been removed by default, leaving the registry as the primary workaround.

How do I send feedback to Microsoft about the new interface?

You can submit your thoughts directly within the software. Open Word or Excel, go to the 'Help' tab on the ribbon, and click 'Feedback'. Select 'I don't like something' to explain why the classic look is important to your workflow.

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