How to Turn Off the Simplified Ribbon and Restore Classic Layout in OneNote
Question details
The user wants to disable the Simplified Ribbon in Microsoft OneNote and switch back to the classic ribbon layout.

- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Customizing the workspace interface to ensure all preferred tools are immediately visible and accessible.
- Observed behavior
- The interface is currently displaying the Simplified Ribbon, which hides some tools, and the user prefers the traditional, fully expanded ribbon.
Ensure your OneNote app is fully updated, as the steps to toggle the ribbon layout may vary slightly depending on whether you are using the Windows, Mac, or Web version.
Toggle the Ribbon via the Ribbon Display Options
The quickest way to switch between the Simplified and Classic ribbon is by using the built-in ribbon display options arrow.
Microsoft provides a seamless toggle button directly on the interface, allowing users to switch ribbon views without navigating through complex settings.
Launch the Microsoft OneNote application on your computer.
Look at the bottom right corner of the ribbon for a downward-pointing arrow, which represents the Ribbon Display Options.
Click the arrow and select 'Classic Ribbon' from the drop-down menu. The ribbon will immediately expand to its traditional, fully featured layout.

Toggle the Ribbon via the View Tab
If you are using OneNote on the web or certain Mac versions, you can change the ribbon layout directly from the View tab.
Try WPS Office for a Classic and Intuitive Workspace
If you prefer traditional ribbon layouts without the hassle of constantly adjusting settings or unexpected UI updates, WPS Office provides a clean, familiar interface out of the box. It offers powerful word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation tools that serve as an excellent alternative to Microsoft Office.
- 1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official WPS Office website to download the free installation package.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the suite on your device.
- 3. Enjoy a Familiar Interface: Open WPS Office and instantly enjoy a classic, easy-to-navigate ribbon layout for all your document tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my OneNote suddenly change to the Simplified Ribbon?
Microsoft introduced the Simplified Ribbon as the new default in recent updates to save screen space and modernize the interface. It is often enabled automatically after an application update.
Can I customize which commands appear on the Simplified Ribbon?
Yes, you can customize the Simplified Ribbon by clicking the three dots (...) at the right end of the ribbon and selecting 'Customize Ribbon'. From there, you can add or remove specific commands to suit your workflow.
Is the classic ribbon available in OneNote for Web?
Yes, OneNote for Web allows you to switch between the Simplified and Classic ribbons. Simply click the 'View' tab on the web interface and toggle the ribbon layout option.




