How to Restore Font and Highlight Controls to the OneNote Home Tab
Question details
Users need to restore font, color, and highlighting commands that have automatically moved from the Home tab to a separate Basic Text tab.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Operating OneNote when the application window size or system display scaling is restricted.
- Observed behavior
- Formatting controls disappear from the Home tab and are grouped into a new, separate Basic Text tab.
Make sure to sync your recent notes to OneDrive and close OneNote before adjusting system display settings to ensure the interface layout updates properly upon restart.
Adjust Windows Display Scaling and Resolution
Lowering your display scale to 100% or 125% gives the application more screen real estate to show the full ribbon.
When Windows display scaling is set too high (such as 150%), applications like OneNote automatically collapse ribbon menus to fit the screen. Reverting to recommended settings usually restores the full Home tab.
Click the Start menu, go to Settings, and select System followed by Display.
Scroll down to the 'Scale and layout' section. Click the dropdown menu under 'Scale' and change it from 150% to 125% or 100%.
In the same menu, ensure your 'Display resolution' is set to the system's Recommended value.
Close Microsoft OneNote completely and reopen it to verify that the font and highlight controls have returned to the Home tab.
Maximize or Resize the Application Window
If you are using OneNote in a smaller window, simply maximizing it can immediately restore the missing formatting controls.
Experience a Stable, Clutter-Free Interface with WPS Office
If you frequently struggle with shifting ribbon controls in other office suites, consider switching to WPS Office. As a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, it offers an intuitive UI that keeps your essential formatting tools exactly where you expect them without unexpected layout changes.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install and launch: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the software.
- 3. Open existing files: Launch WPS Office and seamlessly open your existing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with perfect formatting retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do ribbon controls group together or disappear in Office apps?
Office applications are designed to automatically collapse ribbon tabs and group commands into smaller menus when the application window is too narrow or when system display scaling makes the UI elements too large to fit on the screen.
Can I manually customize the OneNote ribbon to keep my tools visible?
Yes. You can go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon. From there, you can manually add, remove, or rearrange specific commands and groups on the Home tab to ensure your favorite tools are always accessible regardless of window size.
Will changing my display scale affect other applications?
Yes. Adjusting the display scale in Windows Settings changes the size of text, application interfaces, and icons across your entire operating system, not just within OneNote.
