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Office Settings & Configuration

How to Turn Off the Simplified Ribbon and Restore Classic Layout in OneNote

Partner EditorPartner Editor Sep 27, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to disable the Simplified Ribbon in Microsoft OneNote and switch back to the classic ribbon layout.

How to Turn Off the Simplified Ribbon in OneNote
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.
Before you start

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.

Solution 1Recommended

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.

1
Open OneNote

Launch the Microsoft OneNote application on your computer.

2
Locate the View Toggle

Look at the bottom right corner of the ribbon for a downward-pointing arrow, which represents the Ribbon Display Options.

3
Switch to Classic Ribbon

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 Ribbon Display Options
Quick Reversion: You can easily switch back to the Simplified Ribbon at any time by clicking the same arrow and selecting 'Simplified Ribbon'.
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  1. 1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official WPS Office website to download the free installation package.
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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.