The Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) in Microsoft Word is a small row of icons that provides one-click access to your most frequently used commands, like Save, Undo, and Redo. In older versions of Word, it lived in the very top-left corner of the window bar. However, in newer updates, Microsoft has moved the Quick Access Toolbar to sit directly beneath the main Ribbon. For some users, this extra row of icons creates unnecessary visual clutter and takes up valuable vertical screen space. If you prefer a minimalist interface and rely on keyboard shortcuts (like Ctrl+S for saving), you can easily hide the toolbar.
How to Hide the Quick Access Toolbar
Hiding the Quick Access Toolbar takes only two clicks directly from the main Word interface.
- Open a document in Microsoft Word.
- Look for the Quick Access Toolbar. It is the small row of icons (Save, Undo, Redo) usually located just below the main Ribbon on the left side.
- Click the small downward-pointing arrow at the far right end of the Quick Access Toolbar. (When you hover over it, it will say “Customize Quick Access Toolbar”).
- A drop-down menu will appear listing various commands you can add.
- Look at the very bottom of this menu and click on Hide Quick Access Toolbar.
The toolbar will instantly vanish, giving you a slightly cleaner and taller writing workspace.
How to Bring it Back
If you realise you miss the convenience of having an on-screen “Undo” button, getting the toolbar back is just as easy.
Simply right-click anywhere on the empty grey space of the main Ribbon (next to the tabs like Home, Insert, etc.). A context menu will appear. Click on Show Quick Access Toolbar, and it will immediately reappear beneath the Ribbon.