How to Find MSO IDs for Built-In Excel Backstage Tabs
Question details
The user needs to find the specific MSO IDs associated with the built-in tabs in the Microsoft Excel Backstage view.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Customizing the Office Ribbon or Backstage view using XML and needing the exact control identifiers for built-in backstage elements.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft does not expose these MSO IDs through the standard Excel settings or default customization menus, requiring alternative developer resources.
Before proceeding, ensure you have administrative access to your Microsoft 365 environment, as you may need to access the Admin Center to submit a specialized support request.
Request MSO IDs via Microsoft 365 Admin Center
Since Microsoft does not publicly list all Backstage MSO IDs in standard settings, the official and most reliable method is to request developer guidance directly through an administrative support ticket.
Advanced Ribbon and Backstage XML customization often requires exact Control Identifiers (MSO IDs) that are occasionally omitted from public documentation. Contacting Microsoft Support ensures you receive the most up-to-date and accurate developer resources for your specific Excel version.
Navigate to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center website and log in using an account with administrative privileges.
On the left-hand navigation pane, locate and click on 'Support'.
Click on 'New service request' from the dropdown menu to open a support ticket.
Specify that you are looking for the Office Fluent User Interface Control Identifiers, specifically the MSO IDs for Excel's Backstage tabs, and submit the ticket for guidance.
Search Microsoft Learn for Ribbon Extensibility Reference
You can manually check if Microsoft has updated their public developer reference files with the missing Backstage IDs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an MSO ID in Excel?
An MSO ID is a unique identifier used by Microsoft Office to reference built-in commands, tabs, and controls. Developers use these IDs when customizing the Office Ribbon or Backstage view using XML to hide, modify, or interact with native UI elements.
Can I find Backstage MSO IDs inside Excel's Options menu?
No, standard Excel settings and the 'Customize Ribbon' interface do not display the specific MSO IDs for Backstage tabs. These are developer-level identifiers that must be referenced from Microsoft's official documentation or requested via support.
Are Office 365 MSO IDs the same as Office 2016?
Many fundamental MSO IDs remain the same across versions for backward compatibility. However, new features introduced in Office 365 often come with new, sometimes undocumented IDs, which is why checking the latest developer resources is necessary.
