How to Hide an Excel Menu Bar for Users

The Excel command ribbon replaces the menu bar with tabs and buttons that show or hide when you apply the Ribbon Display Options or the Excel Options. The Ribbon Display Options include the Auto-hide Ribbon command that hides the ribbon plus the status bar at the bottom of the screen. The ribbon also quickly restores to view with the Show Tabs and Commands button. To make it harder for your users to access the ribbon, you can adjust the Excel Options and deselect all the tabs. Only the File tab will remain on the ribbon and enable you to restore the ribbon to full view.

Ribbon Display Options Button

Click the “Ribbon Display Options” button near the upper-right corner of the Excel screen. This button displays a tiny arrow pointing up to two horizontal lines. The drop-down list displays three options: “Auto-hide Ribbon,” “Show Tabs” and “Show Tabs and Commands.”

Select “Auto-hide Ribbon” to hide the command ribbon. The worksheet will move up and take the place of the ribbon. The default green status bar at the bottom of the screen also hides from view.

Click the “Ribbon Display Options” button again, and then select “Show Tabs and Commands” to restore the ribbon and its functions.

Excel Options

Click the “File” tab on the ribbon, click "Options" and then select “Customize Ribbon” to view two lists in separate panes, including the Customize the Ribbon column.

Click the “Customize the Ribbon” drop-down list, and then select one of the three ribbon options: “All Tabs,” “Main Tabs” or “Tool Tabs.”

Remove the tick from each tab’s check box. For example, deselect “Home,” “Insert” and “Page Layout.”

Click “OK” to update the ribbon. Only the File tab remains on the ribbon.