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Jim Shepherd 0

In Microsoft word the default tab used to be "home", but it changed to "file" without my input. How do I change it back to "Home"? The proposed answer is not correct.

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Answer 1

Stefan Blom 340.9K MVP Volunteer Moderator

How do you mean that the File tab is the default? Since activating the File tab means to hide the document content, are you saying that you do not see the document itself? Go to File > Options > General and clear the check mark next to "Show the Start screen when Word starts." This will force Word to start with a new, blank document.

If you are saying that the ribbon is minimized or not visible at all, see https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/show-or-hide-the-ribbon-in-office-d946b26e-0c8c-402d-a0f7-c6efa296b527.

Jim Shepherd 0 Reputation points

2026-05-23T18:35:25.71+00:00

Not the problem. Is there any way to get a video or series of sequential pics to you? I can't attach a video and only one picture. The "File" tab is the default tab highlighted in blue. I can click "Home" and the drop down appears; as soon as I click the mouse over anything it reverts to the "file" tab. I can't copy, cut or paste from the home screen drop down. Same issue

with the other tabs.
Jim Shepherd 0 Reputation points

2026-05-23T18:43:38.9466667+00:00

The default tab highlighted in blue is "Files" instead of Home. If you click "Home' then type anything, or perform any action, it immediately reverts to "Files". Same issue if you use any other tab. as soon as you make any entry, it reverts back to "Files". From home, you cannot copy, cut or paste. As soon as you perform any action including just clicking my mouse it goes to "Files".
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Stefan Blom 340.9K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-05-23T19:31:57.0833333+00:00

Your screen shot indicates a minimized (collapsed) ribbon. You should be able to double-click "Home," for example, to redisplay the full ribbon. Then click the arrow on the far right and choose the option Always show ribbon. See the screen shot below, which is from the article I linked to.
Jim Shepherd 0 Reputation points

2026-05-23T19:38:49.3833333+00:00

Mine is older than yours and I don't have drop down there; however there is a small pin and I was able to pin it. Thanks.
Stefan Blom 340.9K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-05-23T19:42:32.5133333+00:00

Mine is older than yours and I don't have drop down there; however there is a small pin and I was able to pin it. Thanks.

I'm glad you got it sorted. Thanks for the follow-up.

Yes, Microsoft tends to move certain commands around and/or rename them just a bit between versions, which may add to the confusion as to which option is applicable. :-(

Answer 2

Sumit D - IA 168.9K Independent Advisor

Hi,

Your ribbon might be minimized.

If you press CTRL+FN+F1 or CTRL + F1(either one of it will work), does it help you to solve the issue?

I hope this information helps. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to reach out.

Otherwise, if your problem is resolved, please take a moment to rate the answer. Wishing you good luck!

Jim Shepherd 0 Reputation points

2026-05-23T18:45:52.9566667+00:00

The default tab highlighted in blue is "Files" instead of Home. If you click "Home' then type anything, or perform any action, it immediately reverts to "Files". Same issue if you use any other tab. as soon as you make any entry, it reverts back to "Files". From home, you cannot copy, cut or paste. As soon as you perform any action including just clicking my mouse it goes to "Files".

Answer 3

Sumit D - IA 168.9K Independent Advisor

Hi Jim,

As I said in my initial reply, your ribbon was collapsed. Pressing the shortcut I mentioned should have expanded it immidiately :)

I am glad you got it sorted.

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