Insert page numbers option does not work. All I get is a drop down screen with no sub-options on what page numbers to choose

Babz Audifferen 0 Reputation points
2025-11-03T20:46:40.8666667+00:00

When I choose Insert page number, the drop down screen does not provide the sub-options of the types of page numbering for me to choose from

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows
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Charles Kenyon 170.7K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2025-11-03T23:14:20.2533333+00:00

The file that holds these is broken.
With Word closed, find and delete the file "Built-In Building Blocks.dotx."
This has been happening to people occasionally since at least Word 2010.

See https://www.addbalance.com/word/pagenumber10.htm#Solution.

See also: https://www.addbalance.com/usersguide/sections2007.htm#PageNumbers.

You can insert a PAGE field for a page number at the current location by pressing Shift+Alt+P.

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  1. Richard Trinidad 6,330 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-03T21:22:45.1366667+00:00

    Hi Babz, thanks for posting here in Microsoft community, it sounds like Word isn’t showing the usual page number layout options.This could be due to a glitch, missing updates, or a corrupted template.

    Try restarting Word, updating Office, or resetting the Normal.dotm template. If it persists, you might want to repair Office via Control Panel.

     

    Here’s how, first, Restart Word and try again then Update Office to the latest version then Go to %appdata%\Microsoft\Templates and rename Normal.dotm to reset Word settings

    Also, Use Repair Office via Control Panel > Programs > Microsoft 365 > Change > Quick Repair.

     

    Also, to isolate the issue, are you using Word on Windows or Mac, and does this happen with all documents or just one?

     

    I hope this helps you out, let me know how it goes.

    Chard

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