How to fix top section of word document

Question

How to fix top section of word document

YASMIN CHARLES 0

Screenshot 2026-09-18 at 13.02.50

Whenever I enter full screen, the top functions turn white, and so does the document name. It has happened since I just updated it. Any fix for this? I tried toggling the colourful and aluminium themes and only the aluminium one works.

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Answer 1

Michelle Nguyen 1,750 Independent Advisor

Hi @YASMIN CHARLES

Based on the information you provided, I understand that after updating Word for Mac, the icons and document name in the top section become white and nearly unreadable when you enter full-screen mode. The issue appears to occur with the Colorful theme, while the Aluminum theme works normally.

I tested this in my environment and was able to reproduce the same behaviour.

Screenshot 2026-09-18 at 11.05.12

However, before proceeding, could you please provide your current Word version and build number, as well as your macOS version? You can find the Word version by selecting Word > About Microsoft Word.

Also, could you let me know where you downloaded Word? You may try uninstalling the current version and installing the previous version from the link below to check whether the same issue still occurs:

Update history for Office for Mac

I tested the previous version, and everything displayed normally. Therefore, you may consider rolling back to version 16.112.4 to see whether the issue is resolved.

Screenshot 2026-09-18 at 11.22.14

Before uninstalling Word, please make sure that your documents are saved and that you have the necessary Microsoft 365 account or licence information to reinstall and activate the application.

Please let me know the results or share any updates, and I will be happy to assist you further.

YASMIN CHARLES 0 Reputation points

2026-09-18T04:20:36.8633333+00:00

Hi Michelle,

My Word version is: Version 16.113 (26091433)

My macOS version is: Version 15.6.1 (macOS Sequoia)

I am pretty sure I downloaded Word from the app store, also I updated powerpoint and Excel, and the same problem is also occurring now.

I will delete word and test out that link for version 16.112.4 (26090911). Thanks, I will update you if anything happens.
Michelle Nguyen 1,750 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-09-18T04:26:01.91+00:00

Hi @YASMIN CHARLES

Thank you for the update. In that case, please try the rollback method I suggested and let me know how it goes.
YASMIN CHARLES 0 Reputation points

2026-09-18T04:30:13.41+00:00

@Michelle Nguyen

I just tried the rollback method, and the problem is still there. Once again Aluminium works but not colourful.
Michelle Nguyen 1,750 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-09-18T05:02:11.64+00:00

Hi @YASMIN CHARLES

Thank you for the update. If you do not mind, could you please let me know which version of Word you rolled back to?
YASMIN CHARLES 0 Reputation points

2026-09-18T05:06:09.2933333+00:00

@Michelle Nguyen

I just used: Version 16.112.4 (26090911)

I also noticed the word style "Normal, Heading 1 etc" fixed itself once I downloaded this version, as before it was messed up as well.

So some things did fix itself but the main problem is still there, thanks.
Michelle Nguyen 1,750 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-09-18T05:40:14.65+00:00

Hi @YASMIN CHARLES

Thank you for the update. Could you please confirm whether Dark Mode is currently enabled on your Mac?

Please also try restarting your Mac and check whether the issue persists. If it does, please create a new user profile on your Mac and test Word there to determine whether the same behaviour occurs.

Feel free to keep me updated with the results, and I will continue assisting you.
YASMIN CHARLES 0 Reputation points

2026-09-18T05:57:22.8433333+00:00

Hi @Michelle Nguyen

Good news! When i created a new user profile, and logged into word there, it worked!

However, when I originally restarted my laptop and just used my normal account the problem was not fixed, and I do have dark mode enabled on my mac.
Michelle Nguyen 1,750 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-09-18T06:23:42.04+00:00

Hi @YASMIN CHARLES

Thank you for the update. Since the issue no longer occurs when using a new Mac user profile, there may be a difference in the settings or configuration of the original profile. You may therefore consider using the new profile as a workaround.

However, if you prefer to continue using the original profile, please consider using the Aluminium theme for now, as it displays correctly in full-screen mode.

Thank you for your understanding.
YASMIN CHARLES 0 Reputation points

2026-09-18T06:26:28.3266667+00:00

Hi @Michelle Nguyen

Thank you for all your help!

Just wondering if this problem will eventually be resolved in the future?
Michelle Nguyen 1,750 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-09-18T07:17:17.6766667+00:00

Hi @YASMIN CHARLES

Thank you for the update. Since it appears that version 16.113 may be experiencing the issue you described, I recommend reporting it through the Microsoft Feedback Portal, where the relevant Microsoft product team can review user feedback.

Thank you for your patience.
YASMIN CHARLES 0 Reputation points

2026-09-18T11:19:56.14+00:00

@Michelle Nguyen

Thank you for all your help today!
Michelle Nguyen 1,750 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-09-18T12:05:23.0166667+00:00

Hi @YASMIN CHARLES

Thank you for your understanding. If you need any further help or have any additional questions, please feel free to let me know.