How to Stop Microsoft Excel Toolbar From Disappearing
A “magic trick” you don’t need to happen
You’re working hard on a spreadsheet and suddenly, the Microsoft Excel ribbon vanishes. Where did it go? How do you get it back? We’ll show you what to do when the Excel toolbar disappears and how to keep it where it belongs.
When the Excel Ribbon Is Completely Hidden
If you’re working on your Excel sheet and notice that you don’t see the ribbon or the tabs, it’s likely that you’re in full-screen mode with the ribbon set to automatically hide.
Select thethree dotsin the top right corner.
You’ll then see the ribbon tabs and commands unhide temporarily. You can use the tools as you like, and the ribbon will automatically hide again when you select a spot on your sheet.
When the Excel Ribbon Only Shows Tabs
If you’re not in full-screen mode and only see the ribbon tabs, then you can simply select a tab to use the commands. If you prefer to keep the tabs and commands in view, you can pin the ribbon.
To display both the tabs and commands, choose a tab and select thePin the Ribbonicon (pin) on the bottom right corner of the ribbon.
You’ll then see the ribbon tabs and commands shown at all times. If you want to return to the tabs-only view, select theCollapse the Ribbon(arrow) icon in the bottom right corner of the ribbon.
How to Adjust the Ribbon Display Options
Along with the above, you can open the ribbon settings in either normal or full-screen mode.
SelectRibbon Display Optionsicon (square with an arrow) on the top right. Then, choose an option:
You can also quickly toggle between the last two settings above. Use the keyboard shortcutCtrl + F1to show only the tabs and then again to show both the tabs and commands.
Tip: If you’re using theweb version of Excel, select the arrow on the right side of the toolbar to open theRibbon Display Options. You can then chooseAlways ShoworAutomatically Hide.
How to Reset the Excel Ribbon
If you’ve spent timecustomizing the Excel ribbonand want to return it to the default settings, you can do so in just a few steps. Plus, you can choose to reset a specific tab or the entire Excel ribbon.
Get Your Excel Toolbar Back
When your Excel ribbon performs a vanishing act, you don’t have to let it stop you from completing your worksheet. You can view the tabs with the commands when you have many tasks to tackle and also hide or minimize the ribbon whenever you need more work space.
For more on Microsoft Office, look at how toview Microsoft Word documents in full-screen mode.
Sandy Writtenhouse is a freelance technology writer and former Project, Department, and Program Manager. She turned her education, job experience, and love of technology into a full-time writing career. With all sorts of gadgets in her home and her hands, she seeks to help others make life easier through technology.Read Sandy’s Full Bio
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