Link to Previous in MS Word 365 is missing. Where is it?

Question

I am using Microsoft Word, Microsoft® Word for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2512 Build 16.0.19530.20184) 64-bit

I have created a document with section breaks properly inserted. When I go to a subsequent section in the document and click on the footer I see "Odd Page Footer -Section 2-"on the left and "Same as Previous" on the right.

When I examine the "Header & Footer" tab, there is no "Link to previous" box that I can uncheck that I can see. I need to have page numbers but only in later sections of the document. I have been able to do this easily in previous versions of Word. Please advise.

Answer 1

Sometimes, instead of breaking the link to previous, you may want to be using the StyleRef field. https://www.addbalance.com/usersguide/fields.htm#STYLEREF

Answer 2

Hello Jonathan Loux,

Thank you for reaching out in the Microsoft Q&A forum.

I understand that you are unable to find the “Link to Previous” option in Word for Microsoft 365, even though your document contains correctly inserted section breaks and the footer shows “Same as Previous.”

To address this behavior, please review the points below:

A. Ensure you are actively editing the header or footer

• Double‑click directly inside the header or footer area of the section you want to modify.
• Simply opening the Header & Footer tab from the ribbon is not sufficient.
• The Link to Previous button only appears when the cursor is placed inside the header or footer content.

B. Check the Header & Footer navigation group

• Once your cursor is inside the header or footer, go to the Header & Footer tab.
• In the Navigation group, you should see the Link to Previous option.
• Turn it off to stop the current section from inheriting content from the previous section.

C. Verify the footer type being edited

• If Different First Page or Different Odd & Even Pages is enabled, each footer type is controlled separately.
• Make sure you are editing the correct footer (Odd Page, Even Page, or First Page) where you want the page numbers to change.

D. Confirm the section break type

• Page numbering behavior works best when the section break is Next Page or Odd Page.
• Continuous section breaks may cause unexpected header or footer linking behavior.

In recent versions of Word for Microsoft 365, the Link to Previous control is context‑sensitive and no longer always visible as it was in earlier versions. This is expected behavior and does not indicate a problem with your document.

Please let me know if you need further assistance.

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Answer 3

Does this occur in one particular document or in any document that you create in Word?

Here, I am not seeing the issue (subscription version of Office, version 2512, Windows 11). With the insertion point in the Odd Page Footer in section 2, the Link to Previous command is available to select or deselect. See the screen shot below.

Answer 4

Charles and Alex,

Thank you for your thoughtful answers. Stefan Bloom answered my query yesterday, but I will benefit from your answers, as well. I appreciate that you took the time to understand my question instead of just quoting the Help section to me. That reflects thoughtful consideration of my needs. If I can fill out a survey I will commend you both for your prompt answers.

Thank you,

Jon.