How to Provide Feedback About Microsoft Office UI Changes
Question details
Users need a reliable method to officially report dissatisfaction or provide suggestions regarding recent confusing updates to the Microsoft Windows and Office user interfaces.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Experiencing frustration with redesigned menus, moved settings, or features like Word's modern comments, and wanting to express these concerns to Microsoft.
- Observed behavior
- Settings become difficult to locate after interface updates, help documentation becomes outdated, and workflow efficiency drops due to unrequested layout changes.
Gather your current Windows or Office version number and write a clear description of the specific interface change you are reporting to ensure your feedback is actionable for the developers.
Submit Feedback Directly in Microsoft Office Apps
Use the built-in feedback tool in Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint to send direct reports to the product team regarding specific Office UI changes.
Microsoft includes a built-in feedback mechanism directly within its Office applications. This is the most effective way to report issues regarding specific redesigns, such as the new modern comments experience in Word or hidden menu options.
Launch the specific program where you noticed the frustrating interface change, such as Microsoft Word.
Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the ribbon, then select 'Feedback' from the bottom of the left-hand navigation pane.
Click on the 'Send a Frown' option to indicate dissatisfaction with a feature or UI change.
Type a detailed explanation of the redesign you dislike, mention how it negatively impacts your workflow, include an optional screenshot of the problem area, and click 'Submit'.
Use the Windows Feedback Hub for OS-Level Changes
For changes to Windows interfaces like the Control Panel, Settings, or File Explorer, use the dedicated Windows Feedback Hub.
Tired of Constant Microsoft Office UI Changes? Try WPS Office
If frequent redesigns, moved settings, and the shift to mandatory subscriptions in Microsoft Office are disrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly stable, lightweight, and familiar user interface that makes finding settings effortless, without the high ongoing costs.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
- 2. Install the software: Run the lightweight installer to quickly set up the office suite on your Windows computer.
- 3. Open your files directly: Double-click your existing Microsoft Office files to open them seamlessly in the familiar WPS interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my current Microsoft Office version to include in my feedback?
Open any Office application, click on 'File', and select 'Account' from the bottom left. Your version, build number, and installation type are displayed under the 'Product Information' section.
Can I turn off the modern comments feature in Microsoft Word?
In newer versions of Word, modern comments are the default experience. Depending on your build, you may temporarily revert to the classic view by going to File > Options > General and unchecking the 'Enable modern comments' box. Note that Microsoft is gradually phasing out this toggle.
Does Microsoft reply to the feedback submitted through 'Send a Frown'?
No, Microsoft generally does not send individual replies to feedback submitted via the Office Feedback tool or the Windows Feedback Hub. However, product teams actively monitor and aggregate these reports to identify widespread issues and plan future updates.
