page numbering

Question

mword 365 not numbering pages when insert page numbers is executed

Answer 1

As other contributors have asked, what does happen when you try to insert a page number? For example, do you see an error message?

If you double-click the header area to activate the header/footer view and click where you want the page number to occur, you should be able to add a page number field with Alt+Shift+P.

Answer 2

As Stefan noted, you can insert a page number by going into the header or footer and positioning your insertion point where you want the page number. Then press Shift+Alt+P. That has always been the case. You do not need the Insert Page Number menu. Here is more about Page Numbers in Word. https://www.addbalance.com/usersguide/sections2007.htm#PageNumbers

If you really want the different menu options and you are not seeing them, the problem is that your Built-In Building Blocks.dotx file is broken. Delete it, with Word closed, and Word will rebuild it. For more on this, see https://www.addbalance.com/word/pagenumber10.htm#Solution.

If your problem is something different, please write back with more details.

Answer 3

Hi!

Does this problem occur with only one document or all of them? Create a new blank document and try numbering the page.

Check if you are selecting the correct option: Click the Insert tab > Under Header & Footer, click Page Number > Choose the desired option.

If the problem occurs with all documents and the above option doesn't work, try an online repair in Office.

1. Open Windows Settings (Windows + I) > Apps > Installed Apps.
2. Search for "Microsoft 365" or "Microsoft Office <Year> (2019, 2021)" > Click on the 3 Dots (●●●) > Change > Online Repair > Repair.
3. When the repair is complete, restart your computer.

Answer 4

In Word 365 on Windows, if Insert > Page Number does nothing or shows only a blank drop-down with no numbering options, the built‑in building blocks file is likely damaged.

To fix it:

1. Close Word completely (ensure no Word processes are running).
2. In File Explorer, locate and delete the file named Built-In Building Blocks.dotx in the user profile (this is the file that stores the page-numbering gallery and other building blocks).
3. Restart Word and try Insert > Page Number again. Word will recreate a fresh copy of the building blocks file, and the page-number options should reappear and work.

As a workaround (or to verify numbering works at all), insert a page number field directly:

• Place the cursor where the page number should appear (typically in a header or footer).
• Press Shift + Alt + P to insert a PAGE field. This will display the current page number even if the gallery is broken.

If the PAGE field appears correctly but the gallery is still empty, the problem is almost certainly the corrupted Built-In Building Blocks.dotx file and should be resolved by deleting it as described.

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References:

• Insert page numbers
• 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 - Microsoft Q&A