Office Settings & Configuration

How to Show Text Labels Instead of Icons in Word Quick Access Toolbar

Muhammad Talha Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to display command text labels instead of icons on the Quick Access Toolbar, but the option may be missing after an update or Windows reinstallation.

How to Show Text Labels Instead of Icons in Word Quick Access Toolbar

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: Windows 11
Scenario: Customizing the Word interface for better readability by replacing Quick Access Toolbar icons with descriptive text labels.
Observed behavior: The setting 'Always show command labels' disappears from Word Options, forcing the toolbar to display only icons for frequently used commands.

Before you start

Ensure your Microsoft 365 subscription is fully updated, as the option to toggle text labels on the Quick Access Toolbar is tied to recent visual interface refreshes in Office.

Solution 1Recommended

Enable Command Labels in Word Options

Use the built-in Word Options menu to toggle text labels for your Quick Access Toolbar commands.

If you are using a compatible version of Microsoft 365, you can easily switch between icons and text labels directly from the application's toolbar settings.

Open Word Options

Launch Microsoft Word, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.

Navigate to Quick Access Toolbar Settings

In the Word Options dialog box, click on 'Quick Access Toolbar' in the left-hand pane.

Toggle the Command Labels

Look for the checkbox labeled 'Always show command labels' below the command list. Check this box to display text alongside or instead of icons.

Save Changes

Click 'OK' to apply the changes and return to your document. Your Quick Access Toolbar should now display text labels.

Feature Availability: This feature is primarily available in Microsoft 365 versions with the 'New Experience' visual refresh. It may not be present in older standalone versions of Office.

Solution 2

Update or Repair Microsoft Office

If the text label option suddenly disappeared after a Windows reinstall or update, repairing or updating Office can restore the missing feature.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the 'Always show command labels' option disappear in Word?

This option often disappears due to Microsoft 365 interface updates (such as rolling back or modifying the 'visual refresh'), reinstalling Windows, or switching to an Office build where the feature is temporarily disabled or unsupported.

Can I show text labels on the Quick Access Toolbar in Office 2019 or 2016?

The dedicated 'Always show command labels' checkbox is typically reserved for newer Microsoft 365 subscriptions. In older standalone versions like Office 2016 or 2019, the toolbar relies on icons, but you can still view the text description by hovering your mouse cursor over the specific icon.

How do I add new commands to the Quick Access Toolbar?

You can quickly add almost any tool by locating it on the main Word ribbon, right-clicking the button, and selecting 'Add to Quick Access Toolbar' from the context menu.

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