How do I fix in putting page numbers in Word?

Question

When I go to insert page numbers nothing happens. My page numbering in Word isn't working.

Answer 1

Your description doesn't tell us what is or isn't happening. Sometimes a screen shot may show your problem more clearly.

In Word, the Insert>Page Number command is a convenience. You can always open the header or footer, position the insertion point where you want the page number, then choose Insert>Quick Parts>Field and add a Page field. It does exactly the same thing.

Answer 2

Try these fixes in order:

1. Insert the page number directly instead of using the gallery.
   • Double-click the header or footer area.
   • Go to Insert > Page Number or Page Numbering.
   • Choose Current Position and pick a style.
   • In Word with keyboard shortcuts, Alt+Shift+P inserts a page number field directly.
2. If the page number gallery only shows More page numbers from Office.com or does nothing, the built-in building blocks template is likely corrupted.
   • Close Word.
   • Delete or rename the Built-In Building Blocks.dotx file.
   • Restart Word so it recreates the file.
   • This can also restore other built-in items such as cover pages and tables of contents.
3. If page numbers are inserted but missing on some pages, check whether Different First Page is turned on.
   • Go to Insert > Header or Footer > Edit Header or Edit Footer.
   • If Different First Page is selected, the first page of that section can hide the page number.
   • Clear it if page numbers should appear there, or leave it on and delete only the first-page number if that is the goal.
4. If the first visible numbered page should start at 1:
   • Go to Insert > Page Number > Format Page Numbers.
   • Set Start at to 0 so the second page displays as page 1.
5. If using Word for the web, make sure the document is editable.
   • Switch from Reading view to Edit Document > Edit in Word for the web.
   • Then use Insert > Page Numbers.

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