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Microsoft Office Visual Update Available to Everyone
To match the overall design of Windows 11
By Allison Murray Allison Murray Tech News Reporter Southern Illinois University Allison reports on all things tech. She's a news junky that keeps her eye on the latest trends. Allison is a writer working out of Chicago, IL, with her only coworker: her cat Norbert. lifewire's editorial guidelines Published on December 2, 2021 02:29PM EST Fact checked by Jerri Ledford Fact checked by Jerri Ledford Western Kentucky University Gulf Coast Community College Jerri L. Ledford has been writing, editing, and fact-checking tech stories since 1994. Her work has appeared in Computerworld, PC Magazine, Information Today, and many others. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Software & Apps Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Microsoft Office’s new look is now available for everyone with the Windows 11 version of Office 365 and Office 2021. The new visual update for Office is available for all users this week, Microsoft announced on Thursday. Initially announced in June with select user testing over the summer, the new design mimics that of the overall user experience of Windows 11. Microsoft "This Office visual refresh is based on feedback from customers who asked for a more natural and consistent experience within and between your applications, specifically on Windows," Microsoft wrote in its blog announcing the visual refresh. "With this update, we deliver an intuitive, coherent, and familiar user interface, using the Fluent Design principles, across all your applications." Most notably, you'll see changes like matching the Office theme to your Windows theme. Microsoft also said you could experience the visual refresh in your preferred Office theme, including black, white, colorful, or dark grey. In addition, the Quick Access Toolbar in Office is now hidden to make your interface simpler. You can, however, display it again by right-clicking the ribbon or clicking the Ribbon Display Options icon. You can toggle these new visual changes on or off by clicking the Coming Soon icon in the top right-hand corner, just in case you're not ready to make the full display change yet. Previously, the visual update was only available to a small number of beta users and Office Insiders. Microsoft also noted that there are some known issues to look out for in the visual update. These include problems like the Disable dark mode checkbox not working when 'Use system setting' is selected, a lack of the Mica background effect in apps, and no update to the backstage or File menu. However, the company said it is listening to user feedback about the visual release and fixing these known problems. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Microsoft Office May Be Changing Its Name, but It’s Not Going Anywhere Patch Tuesday (Most Recent: October 11, 2022) Latest Microsoft Office Service Packs (October 2022) How to Use Microsoft's Free PowerPoint Viewers The 8 Best Microsoft Office Alternatives of 2022 A Brief History of Microsoft Windows Windows 11: News, Release Date, and Specs Latest Windows Service Packs and Updates (October 2022) How to Change Language in Microsoft Word and Office Microsoft Office Online Review How to Fix Outlook Search When It's Not Working 9 Best Free Microsoft Office Alternatives iOS 15: Release Date, Features, and Supported Devices How to Run Microsoft Office on a Chromebook Microsoft Office vs. iWork ELM File (What It Is & How to Open One) Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies