What does limited functionality mode mean in Word? Microsoft Office Reduced Functionality Mode

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Welcome, friends, to another article in the “Useful Things” section. Today we will look at the issue of the regime limited functionality word 2016 and how to remove it.

I think that many of you, having decided to switch from older editions to the more advanced 2016 version of our wonderful assistant - text editor Word encountered the following message: “Reduced functionality mode.” What's the news? We did not download the updated program so that its capabilities would be “cut down” for some reason. Few people will like this. And what exactly does such an announcement mean? Let's figure it out.

What is reduced functionality mode

Speaking in simple language, Restricted Functionality Mode (ROF) is the incompatibility of files made in earlier versions of Word with the expanded functionality of software modifications from 2016.

You will see such an inscription only if you decide to work with a document that was created in version 2010 or earlier.

At the same time, the new features of modern Word 16 will be disabled. This algorithm was introduced so that the structure of the old document is preserved and it remains possible to edit it. When working with Word files from version 2013, there is no conflict of permissible actions, since the two latest modifications of this software are interchangeable.

What to do about this incompatibility?

First, you need to check which version of the editor your document is compatible with. To do this, let's perform a simple operation. Click on the “File” tab, select the “Document Inspector” section, then the “search for problems” and “check compatibility” commands. Your case will be marked with a tick in the drop-down list.

If this is version 2010, then you will not be able to use many Office applications and post videos. In the case of option -2007, you will also lose new approaches to page numbering, shapes, inscriptions, various WordArt and text effects, and other controls. I'm not even talking about earlier versions. Do you need it? Moreover, converting your file document to the 2016 format is not difficult.

How to remove limited functionality mode

There are two ways to solve this problem. The first is to convert the old file to 2016 format (DOCX.) Then you will be able to enjoy all the advanced features latest issue programs. To do this, you just need to select the “convert” command in the “File” tab and its “information” section.

As you can see, everything is simple. Now you can use the latest functionality to the fullest. But!.. If among your recipients to whom you want to send the updated file there are users of older versions of Word, then they may have problems editing and even opening this document.

To be on the safe side and not get into a similar situation, it is better to simply make a copy of the file in Word 2016. This is the second way to realize all the wide possibilities latest version software in old-style documents. The algorithm of actions will be as follows: “File” - “save as” - indicate the name of the folder and its address - assign a new name to the document - select “Word document” in the “File type” list. At the same time, do not forget to uncheck the box indicating compatibility with previous versions.

Thus, we receive carte blanche to format a document made in 2010 and earlier using all the advanced technologies of today. The task is completed. In addition, we have retained the previous version of the document - for all occasions.

I think the issue of limited functionality mode and how to remove it is now off the agenda. And so that there are absolutely no “misunderstandings” left, you can look short video. It is not for nothing that they say that it is better to see once than to read. 🙂

Goodbye, friends. Still have questions about Word 2016? And I have many more cheat sheets prepared for you. Check it out!

Your guide to Word copywriter GALANT.

“Why is the limited functionality mode written?” - many people ask this question, since the inscription at the top of Word is quite scary. But few people know that the format created documents in MS Word was changed in 2007. The reason for the notification “Reduced functionality mode” is more old version program in which the file was created. Probably, the document was created in Word 2003, but you open it in Word 2010. In this case, restrictions are imposed on the document and new functions that appeared in 2007-2010 will not be active. To remove the limited functionality mode, you just need to resave the file in an updated format. Let's consider all the ways of what to do in case of such a problem and how to remove restrictions.

Method 1: Save in a different format

Does the document open in restricted mode? Most likely, the Word file format " Word document 97-2003", which means the program is outdated and should be cancelled.

The document is open;
Move the mouse arrow to the “File” section and select “Save As”;
In a new window, write the name in the “File name” field;
Move the cursor to the “File type” field, click, all that remains is to find and click on the “Word Document” format.
Save. When you try to open the file again, there should be no restrictions.

Method 2: Disable Reduced Functionality Mode

Let's look at another option on how to remove restrictions in Word. Go to “File”, then click on “Information” and click on “Convert”.

We save the document in the usual way by clicking on “Save” or using the key combination “Ctrl + S”.

It is not difficult to understand this topic. Follow all the advice carefully and everything will work out. Now you know what it means and why it is written [Reduced functionality mode] and how to disable it.

Many users, when working with documents in the Word text editor, are faced with a message that the open document is running in Word's limited functionality mode. Text editor Microsoft Word included in the popular office suite Microsoft Office, different versions of which are used on large quantities computers.

At the top of the window open document The following message appears: “Document name [Reduced Functionality Mode] - Word.” The message implies that the Word file opened in Microsoft Word has some restrictions on access to all the functionality that is available in this version of the program.

In some cases, when simple editing, the reduced functionality mode (compatibility mode) will have virtually no effect on the work on the document. In other situations, full compatibility is required to apply the necessary editing program options available in the current Microsoft versions Word.

How to remove reduced functionality mode in Word? If the need arises, this problem easily solved.

There are two methods to disable the limited functionality mode in Word:

converting a document to the format of the current new version of Word installed on the computer
changing the file extension to a modern format

Reduced functionality mode appears in the application window when you open a file created in a previous version of Word. Versions Word programs 2016 and Word 2013 are compatible with each other.

This article will give you instructions on how to turn off Reduced Functionality mode in Word, in different versions programs: Microsoft Word 2016, Microsoft Word 2013, Microsoft Word 2010, Microsoft Word 2007.

Reasons for opening Word documents in reduced functionality mode

What does limited functionality mean, why does Word run limited functionality? The fact is that in every new edition word processor, the program's manufacturer Microsoft Corporation, is adding new functionality for editing, changes the use and interaction of some application components. In the new version of the program, new fonts, formats, elements appear, support for new effects, etc. is applied.

As a result, after opening a Word document created in earlier versions of the application, there is a risk of formatting errors appearing, incorrect display original document.

In order to remove possible problems, a Word document created in an old version of MS Word opens in a new version of the application in a less functional, stripped-down mode, in which the state of the file for the previous edition of the program is emulated. The open document matches the parameters previous version Word, it disables new editing functions that are not supported in the old version of the application.

Compatibility mode eliminates possible errors problems that arise when using different versions of Word when working on a document.

Disabling Word's reduced functionality mode by changing the file extension

When using files created in outdated versions text editor, the limited functionality mode in Word can be removed by changing the file extension.

In Microsoft Word programs, starting with Word 2007, files are saved with the “.DOCX” extension. In earlier versions of the application, files were saved with the extension ".DOC". After changing the extension, the Word 97-2003 document will be converted to a ".docx" file with minor changes in structure.

There are two ways to change the Word file extension: manually or from the Microsoft Word program window. In the first case, original file will change its extension. In the second case, a copy of the document will be created in the new format (“docx”), and the old version of the file (“doc”) will be saved on the computer.

To change the file extension manually, you must first perform some actions (enable display of file extensions) for different versions operating system Windows.

Then follow these steps:

Click on the Word file right click mice.
IN context menu select Rename.
Change the file extension after the period from "doc" to "docx".
In the warning window, agree to change the file extension.

You can change the Word file extension directly from the program window:

Open a Word document.
Go to the File menu, select Save As (in Word 2007, select Word Document).
After selecting the save location, in the “Save Document” window in the “File Type” field from possible options select "Word Document."

If necessary, check the box next to “Maintain compatibility with previous versions of Word” to preserve the document layout.

Agree to change the document.

A Word document created in the old format will receive all the editing capabilities available in the new format.

How to remove reduced functionality mode in Word 2016

To turn off reduced functionality mode in Word 2016, follow these steps:

In an open Word document window, go to the "File" menu.
In the “Details” section, in the “Reduced functionality mode” setting, click on the “Convert” button.

In the warning window, click on the “OK” button.

Close the document and click the “Save” button in the warning window.

After this, it will appear on the computer Word file in the latest file format without reduced functionality mode, everything in the document will be available technical capabilities the latest version of the program installed on this computer.

How to remove reduced functionality mode in Word 2013

To disable the reduced functionality mode in Word 2013, follow these steps:

Click on the "File" menu.
In the “Details” section, click on the “Convert” button.

A window will open warning you that the document will be converted to the latest format, click on the “OK” button.
After closing the Word document, agree to make changes to the file.

How to remove limited compatibility mode in Word 2010

You can remove the reduced functionality mode in Word 2010 in the following ways:

From the File menu, go to Details.
Click on the "Convert" button.

Next, click on the “OK” button in the warning window about converting the file format.
Agree to save changes to the MS Word file.

How to remove limited compatibility mode in Word 2007

If you need to remove the reduced functionality mode from Word 2007, follow these steps:

Click on the "Microsoft Office" button.
From the context menu, first select "Save As" and then "Word Document."

In the window that opens, click the “OK” button to save the document in a new file format.
Agree to the changes made upon closing Microsoft document Word 2007.

Conclusion

If a Word document is opened in an application in reduced functionality mode (compatibility mode), the user can disable this mode, converting the Word file into a file format of the latest version of the program. After this, the Word document will support the latest technical capabilities for editing the file.

If you often work with office documents in Microsoft Office applications, then you probably noticed that some documents open in a special mode called “Reduced Functionality Mode”. The fact that the limited functionality mode is enabled is indicated by the corresponding inscription in square brackets in the application window title. It can be found in various applications, like Word, Excel or PowerPoint. Restriction mode works to prevent the use of certain features modern applications in the Office package. This is done so that users of older versions of Office can open your file safely and without problems.

This is how Word notifies you that Reduced Functionality mode is enabled. Extremely clear and understandable.

Typically, the reduced functionality mode should not be of much concern to the traditional user. Still, it is useful to know what compatibility mode is, how to work with it, and how to turn off Microsoft Office compatibility mode if necessary, since it affects the typing available opportunities and tools in a word processor, spreadsheet processor, or Microsoft presentation editor.

What is Reduced Functionality Mode in Word

The title is just an example. Reduced functionality mode is also available in Excel and PowerPoint. IN modern versions package Microsoft applications Office has many great new features that, of course, are not compatible with older versions of Office. Additionally, newer editions of apps handle document formatting a little differently, so Restriction mode helps maintain the ability to work with the same document across different versions of the app, be it 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007 or older.

When you create a new document in Office 2013 or Office 2016, it's created in a modern format that has access to all the modern features and the latest formatting styles. But when you open a document that was born inside Office 2010 or older, the reduced functionality mode starts. It makes sure that the document looks the same in all applications, regardless of their year of release or version.

Reduced functionality mode blocks the document from accessing new application features. For example, someone created a report in Office 2007 (this office suite is not supported, I must say) and sent it to you. You have Office 2016 installed on your computer. You open a document and Office automatically starts Reduced Functionality mode. It manages changes so that the document sent back can open correctly in the same Office 2007, and the file author does not encounter errors that occur because the old version of Office does not understand the new features from Office 2016.

The specific set of features that compatibility mode will block depends on which version of Office you're using and what type of compatibility mode is applied to the document you're running. For example, if you work with a Word 2010 document in Word 2016, you won't be able to use Apps for Office or online video attachments. These two features only appeared in Word 2013. If you try to open a file from Office 2007 in Office 2016, the new formatting styles for numbered lists, new shapes and effects for text fields, WordArt, and so on will be disabled. A detailed list of disabled features for compatibility modes is provided on the official Office support site.

So users different versions packages office applications Microsoft can collaborate on the same document and not have to worry about compatibility issues or incorrect display the same file.

How to check reduced functionality mode

You can easily check which limited functionality mode the document is running in. In the left corner, click File and on the tab Intelligence select Troubleshooting - Compatibility Check.

The application will open a small window in which you need to click on a button Select versions to display. By default, those versions with which this document is compatible will be highlighted.

If there are compatibility errors in the file itself, they will immediately appear in the corresponding list. Additionally, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint perform a compatibility check every time you save a file. If you are not happy with this and want to disable it (or enable it if the check is disabled), check or uncheck the compatibility check box Checking compatibility when saving documents.

How to disable reduced functionality mode in Microsoft Word

Again, we will consider the situation at Word example, but the same principle applies to other applications, like Excel or PowerPoint.

Of course, you shouldn't convert every existing document directly. They will work great in any version of Office. But when you need to use one of the new features, you will notice that it is not available in reduced functionality mode.

Any document can be easily converted and thus disable the reduced functionality mode in Microsoft Office. Just click File - Details - Convert.

When you click this button, the application will alert you that you are about to update the file to the latest format. All blocked features will be enabled, but you may have difficulty opening the file in older versions of Office. If you're happy with this, feel free to click OK. To turn off notifications every time you convert, simply check the box next to No more questions about document conversion.

After this, the file will be updated, and the inscription will disappear from the document header [Reduced functionality mode]. Please note that after this you may encounter minor visual and structural changes to the document. Keep this in mind.

Documents are always saved in reduced functionality mode

A very real scenario. If every document you create is saved in reduced functionality mode, then you need to check your document saving settings. Most likely, Word, Excel, or PowerPoint are set to save files in older formats to ensure compatibility.

Click File - Options. A window will open with various settings. Go to the tab Saving and check what format is indicated in the field Save files in the following format. If every document is saved in reduced functionality mode, then this field will likely be set to Document Word 97-2003 . Change this setting to Word document (.*docx). Click OK.

If you are saving documents from existing templates, then you will need to convert the template first. Open sample and turn off reduced functionality mode. To do this, use the instructions above.

If you open a Word document, at the top in square brackets, you see the message: "Reduced functionality mode", then the question immediately arises: “What is it, and how to remove it?” This will be discussed in this article.

What does this inscription mean?

In Word, this inscription appears next to the name if you have opened a file created in more early version text editor - 2003, in the new version - 2010. For example, you were working with a file at work, came home, opened it on your computer and saw an unusual inscription at the top. This means that Word 2003 is installed at your workplace, and at your home, most likely, it costs more new version– 2010 or 2013.

The fact is that after it appeared Word version 2007, the format of created documents also changed. In 2003, files were saved in *.doc format, and in newer versions - 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2016, in *.docx format.

If the file is opened in reduced functionality mode, then the text editor acts as an emulator. At the same time, you will not be able to access some functions that the developers have added to new versions. For example, editing formulas, new numbering styles, WordArt objects, some themes, etc.

Disabling mode

If you need to remove the message at the top and work with Word to the maximum, then it is enough to simply resave the file in a newer format.

Open required document and go to the "File" tab at the top. From the list that opens, select .

I have Word 2010 installed. If you have 2016, then instead separate window, the menu will open. In the area on the right, specify the folder on your computer to save and select the mentioned “File Type” with the *.docx extension. Then click the “Save” button.

A dialog box like this will appear. It states that the document may be slightly modified. For example, some styles have been removed, and all formulas will become pictures and it will be impossible to edit them. Click "OK".

After this, you will be able to use all the features of the Word program that is installed on your computer; when working with a document, the message at the top will disappear.

Remove this mode

You can do everything as follows. Open the desired document again and go to the "File" tab. In the “Details” section, click the button.

Confirm the action by clicking "OK".

The line at the top where it is written about restrictions will disappear, and you will be able to use all the new functions of the text editor you have installed. Save the changes or by clicking on the floppy disk in the left top corner, or by pressing the combination Ctrl+S or Shift+F12.

Some styles may be removed in the converted file, and all formulas will become pictures.

This method differs from the first in that the original will not be saved, it is simply converted. And using resaving, which is described in the first paragraph, will allow you to save both the original document and its new option, in which there are no restrictions.

I think you managed to remove, using one of the methods described in the article, the line in the document that says about restrictions.

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