Office Settings & Configuration

How to Show the Entire Quick Access Toolbar in Office 365

Huma Ashraf Ch Oct 7, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to ensure the entire Quick Access Toolbar remains visible without having its buttons hidden or truncated.

How to Show the Entire Quick Access Toolbar in Office 365

Product: Office 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Customizing the Office interface to ensure frequently used commands are always accessible on screen.
Observed behavior: The Quick Access Toolbar shares title-bar space with the file name and account information. Its visible width changes dynamically based on window size and document path length, often forcing buttons into a hidden drop-down menu.

Before you start

Before making changes, determine which commands you use most often so you can prioritize keeping them on the Quick Access Toolbar and remove unnecessary ones.

Solution 1Recommended

Move the Quick Access Toolbar Below the Ribbon

Moving the toolbar below the ribbon provides it with a dedicated row, eliminating competition for space with the document title and search bar.

By default, the Quick Access Toolbar is placed at the very top of the window. Relocating it below the ribbon is the most effective way to ensure all your pinned tools remain visible regardless of the window size.

Open the Toolbar Menu

Click the small drop-down arrow located at the far-right end of your current Quick Access Toolbar.

Change Toolbar Position

Select 'Show Below the Ribbon' from the context menu. The toolbar will instantly move to its own dedicated row above your document workspace.

Move the Quick Access Toolbar Below the Ribbon

Workspace Adjustment: Moving the toolbar below the ribbon will take up a small amount of vertical space, slightly reducing the viewing area of your document.

Solution 2

Remove Unnecessary Buttons from the Toolbar

Free up valuable title-bar space by removing commands you rarely use.

Solution 3

Use a Macro to Shorten the File Name in Word

Create an AutoOpen macro in Word to display only the file name instead of the full file path, freeing up horizontal space.

Customize Tools Easily

Experience an Easily Customizable Interface with WPS Office

WPS Office provides an intuitive and clutter-free way to manage your Quick Access Toolbar. You can easily add, remove, and reorganize your most-used commands without experiencing layout conflicts.

1. Download and Open WPS Office: Install WPS Office and open any document, spreadsheet, or presentation.
2. Locate the Toolbar Settings: Click the small drop-down arrow next to the Quick Access Toolbar in the top left corner of the window.
3. Adjust Position: Select 'Show Below the Ribbon' to give your tools a spacious, dedicated row that will never be hidden.
4. Customize Commands: Click 'More Commands' from the same drop-down to easily add or remove tools based on your daily workflow.

Easily pin commands below or above the ribbonFully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Lightweight design with a clean, tabbed document interfaceFree to use with comprehensive editing features

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some buttons on my Quick Access Toolbar disappear?

When the Quick Access Toolbar is located in the title bar, it competes for space with the document name, Microsoft Search bar, and account profile. If the window is minimized or the document name is long, Office automatically hides overflow tools under a drop-down menu.

Can I hide the Microsoft Search bar to make more room?

Yes. You can collapse the search box into a small magnifying glass icon by going to File > Options > General, and checking the box for 'Collapse the Microsoft Search box by default'.

How do I reset my Quick Access Toolbar to its default state?

Go to File > Options > Quick Access Toolbar. In the bottom right corner of the window, click the 'Reset' button and select 'Reset only Quick Access Toolbar'.

Is there a limit to how many commands I can add to the Quick Access Toolbar?

There is no strict numerical limit, but practically it is limited by your screen resolution and whether you place it above or below the ribbon. Placing it below the ribbon allows you to add many more commands before they are forced into a drop-down menu.

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