Customize Ribbon Size to Make it Smaller

I'm extremely disappointed that Microsoft has made the ribbon so HUGE and does not appear to offer any way of customizing its size other than completely collapsing it.  Between the menu bar, the ribbon, the formula bar, etc. almost HALF of the screen real estate is non-content. Microsoft has it backwards, thinking the more screen space should go to the user interface rather than the content. This is maddening, and it's extremely frustrating that Microsoft doesn't allow me to customize the size of the ribbon to maximize content. Does anyone know of a work around?

I worked with Microsoft for hours and I finally set up a NEW USER and the size of the ribbon went back to normal.  HOWEVER, setting up a new user is almost like setting up a brand new computer!  But getting the ribbon back to a normal size was worth it.

I noticed it too! Incredible!

Well said.

Thank you for your response SandcastleSC.  I currently use a finger sign-in but will look into creating a new method to make my laptop useable again with right-size ribbons.

I worked with Microsoft support for hours.  They finally suggested that I create a new signin for my computer.  It pulled down all new settings and my issues with Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, File Explorer are now resolved.  setting up a new sign in is almost like setting up a new computer. cookies, file access, etc, but this fixed the problem!!  Ribbons are back to normal size!