How do you STOP numbering Headings...

When you pick a numbering format that includes the names of the built-in heading styles, Word reformats those styles so that they include numbering.

To remove numbering from the heading styles, do the following: In the Apply Styles pane (Ctrl+Shift+S), type in Heading 1 and click the Modify button. Click the Format drop down and choose Numbering. Click the "None" option, even if it already appears to be selected.

Confirm the new settings by clicking OK twice. Word removes the numbering from Heading 1.

Repeat the above steps for Heading 2–9.

So... let me get this straight...

Modifying the "STYLE" is not the correct way to APPLY numbering, because it incorrectly numbers Header 1, Heading 2, etc...

Trying the same thing with heading 2 completely fails...

In other words, it's defective...

So you MUST use the "multi level list button" to implement the multi level numbering as desired:

However, you CANNOT undo what you did by using the EXACT SAME process.

Selecting "none" only works for the piece that is highlighted, and doesn't stop new ones from being numbered...

So you must go through a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT menu system to stop it from happening, with more than twice as many actions.

And that menu system you must go through is the one that is BROKEN and DOESN'T let you implement the numbering system.

That's not really intuitive to use the process that DOESN'T work in order to reverse the process that did work.

So I repeat:
NO ONE EVER TESTS THIS STUFF FOR USABILITY HUH???

Anyway now I've learned yet ANOTHER counterintuitive operation in this app. So it's solved.

Did you even READ my issue??

***

Yes. My response addresses it. This is how numbering in Word has always worked. If you set it up as described in the article, you should not have the problem.

To have something not numbered, you use a style that is not attached to numbering.

Did you even READ my issue??

Steps to repeat:

1. Create an empty document
2. Enter the following text (just normal text so far...):

Header

Text

Header

Text

Header

Text

3. Highlight each of the lines "Header" one at a time, and pick the style "Heading1". It changes to that style - Ok...
4. Place the cursor on the first header, and pick the list style of the numbered heading, as the instructions tell you. (Not gonna repeat that here, it's explained in many place) - Ok.
5. Add text at the bottom "Header". Ok
6. Highlight that text at the bottom and pick the style "Heading1". It adds a number in front of it - Ok

Now, go BACK to the top header, and place the cursor on it. Pick the list style and select NONE (because you want to STOP this numbering from happening)

It removes the number ONLY FROM THE FIRST HEADER

Systematically remove the number style FROM EACH HEADER. (WHAT A PAIN IN THE REAR THAT IS... NO ONE EVER TESTS THIS STUFF FOR USABILITY HUH??? )
Now that ALL the numbered list styles are removed, add a new line at the bottom of the document and pick the Heading1 style again.

IT INSERTS A NUMBER IN FRONT OF IT.

So to REPEAT my original question, since you didn't read it...

How do you STOP numbering Headings??

How to create numbered headings or outline numbering in Ribbon Versions of Word by Shauna Kelly

That is the way to have stable numbering.

From your question I am unable to tell what you have. A sample with the problem would help.

Why a sample file is important for troubleshooting. How to do it.

Headings in Word are typically Styles.

Understanding Styles in Microsoft Word

Why Use Word's Built-In Heading Styles? by Shauna Kelly