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Fix Microsoft Forms Star Rating Selecting the Wrong Number of Stars

Nimra Malik Sep 27, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users need to resolve an issue in Microsoft Forms where interacting with a star-rating question yields an inaccurate selection.

How to Fix Microsoft Forms Star Rating Selecting the Wrong Number of Stars

Product: Microsoft Forms
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Filling out or previewing a survey that contains a five-star rating question.
Observed behavior: While the hover effect works normally, clicking the first star incorrectly selects the first three stars. This erroneous selection applies across every rating question in the form.

Before you start

Ensure your browser is updated to the latest version and verify that your internet connection is stable before attempting to troubleshoot web-based form issues.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Browser Cache and Disable Extensions

Use this solution to eliminate browser-level conflicts caused by outdated cache files or active extensions that interfere with the webpage scripts.

Browser extensions, particularly ad-blockers or privacy scripts, can sometimes interfere with the JavaScript that registers clicks on dynamic web elements like the star rating. Testing in a private window helps isolate this issue.

Test in an InPrivate or Incognito Window

Open a new InPrivate window (Edge) or Incognito window (Chrome) and navigate to your Microsoft Form to test the star rating behavior without extensions active.

Clear Browser Cache

If the form works in a private window, go to your browser settings, navigate to Privacy and Security, and clear your browsing data (specifically cached images and files).

Disable Extensions Temporarily

Navigate to the Extensions menu in your browser. Turn off all extensions, reload the Microsoft Forms page, and click the star rating. If it works, re-enable your extensions one by one to identify the one causing the conflict.

Clear Browser Cache and Disable Extensions

Alternative Device Testing: You can also quickly test the form URL on a completely different device, such as your mobile phone, to confirm whether the problem is strictly localized to your primary computer's browser.

Solution 2

Delete and Recreate the Rating Question

Use this method if browser troubleshooting fails, as the specific question block inside the form may be corrupted.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the hover effect work but clicking selects the wrong number of stars?

The hover effect typically relies on basic CSS, which continues to function normally even if scripts are blocked. However, clicking relies on JavaScript to register the user's input. If browser cache is corrupted or an extension interferes with the page scripts, the click event registers inaccurately.

Can I change the star rating to a different format to bypass this bug?

Yes. While in the editing mode of your Microsoft Form, you can select the rating question and change the 'Symbol' dropdown from 'Star' to 'Number'. This alternative format can sometimes bypass the specific rendering glitch affecting star symbols.

Will this display glitch affect the actual survey data collected from respondents?

Yes. If a respondent attempts to select one star but the form registers three stars, the form will submit a three-star rating to your results if they don't notice and correct it. It is strongly recommended to resolve the issue before distributing the survey to ensure accurate data collection.

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