How to Enable and Disable Focus Mode in Microsoft Word

Quick Tips

• You can use the keyboard shortcut Alt + W + O to enable Focus Mode on Microsoft Word.
• Alternatively, you can enable it from the toolbar, or you can go to the View tab in the ribbon and enable Focus.
• To disable the Focus Mode, click on the three-dots icon on the top, go to the View tab in the ribbon, and click on Focus.

How to Enable Focus Mode in Microsoft Word

Focus Mode hides the Ribbon and Taskbar on your document to reduce distractions and let you work only on the document’s text and other elements.

Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

To enable Focus Mode quickly and conveniently in Microsoft Word, you must memorize keyboard shortcuts. On your keyboard, press the Alt + W + O keys simultaneously.

Method 2: Using the Taskbar

On the Taskbar, click on the Focus icon at the bottom right of the Microsoft Word app.

Method 3: Through the Ribbon

The Ribbon contains many features that help optimize the use of Microsoft Word. Here’s how to enable Focus Mode using it.

Step 1: On the Ribbon, click on the View tab.

Step 2: From the Immersive group, click on Focus.

Method 4: From the Search Bar

The search bar conveniently locates a feature in Microsoft Word when you forget its location or relevant tab. Here’s how to use it to enable Focus Mode.

Step 1: Click on the Search bar at the top of the Microsoft Word app.

Step 2: Search for Focus Mode and click on the result.

Also Read: How to create or edit custom properties for a Microsoft Word file.

How to Change the Focus Mode Background Color in Microsoft Word

The default background color in Microsoft Word is white. This is the same color also applied in Focus Mode. If the white color distracts you, it can be changed in Focus Mode.

You can’t change the background color in Focus Mode in the standard Word view. Users must enable Focus Mode to access the setting to change the background color.

Step 1: After enabling Focus Mode, click on the ellipsis at the top of the screen.

Step 2: On the Ribbon, click on View.

Step 3: From the Immersive group, click on Background.

Step 4: Select your preferred background color from the options displayed.

Also Read: How to create a custom color set and theme in Microsoft Word

How to Disable Focus Mode in Microsoft Word

Disabling Focus Mode is as easy as enabling it. Here are the different methods to do so:

Method 1: Using the Escape Key

This is the simplest way to disable focus mode and requires only one action from your end.

Step 1: After enabling Focus Mode, tap the Esc key on your keyboard to exit it.

Method 2: Using the Taskbar

Using the Taskbar, here’s how to exit Focus Mode on your Word app.

Step 1: After enabling Focus Mode, click on the ellipsis at the top of the screen to reveal the taskbar at the bottom of the app.

Step 2: On the Taskbar, click on the Focus icon at the bottom right to exit Focus Mode.

Method 3: Using the Ribbon

Using the Ribbon, here’s how to exit Focus Mode on your Word app.

Step 1: After enabling Focus Mode, click on the ellipsis at the top of the screen to reveal the Ribbon at the top.

Step 2: On the Ribbon, click on the View tab.

Step 3: Click on Focus to exit Focus Mode from the Immersive group.

Method 4: From the Search Bar

Using the Search bar, here’s how to exit Focus Mode on your Word app.

Step 1: After enabling Focus Mode, click on the ellipsis at the top to reveal the search bar at the top of the app.

Step 2: Click on the Search bar and search for Focus Mode.

Step 3: Click on the result to exit Focus Mode.

Also Read: How to enable equation editor in Microsoft Word