Page numbers help to number each page in a document automatically. They come in different styles and formats. You can customize them as needed. Page numbers are usually placed in the header, footer, or side margin. If needed, you can restart page numbering on different pages.

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Adding Page Numbers

Word can insert page numbers in a document. It places them in the header, footer, or side margin. If a header or footer already exists, it will be replaced with the page number.

1. Go to the Insert tab.
   
   
   
2. Click on Page Number.
   
   
   
3. Choose Top of Page, Bottom of Page, or Page Margin based on your preference.
   
   
   
4. Select a page number style.
   
   
   
5. The page number will appear in the chosen location.
6. Press Esc to lock the header or footer.

To edit the page number, double-click the header or footer to unlock it. If the number is in the side margin, you still need to unlock the header or footer to edit it.

Adding Page Numbers to an Existing Header or Footer

If your document already has a header or footer, you can add page numbers to it.

1. Double-click the header or footer to unlock it.
   
   
   
2. Go to the Design tab.
   
   
   
3. Click Page Number.
   
   
   
4. Hover over Current Position and choose a style.
   
   
   
5. The page number will appear in the existing header or footer.
6. Press Esc to lock the header or footer.

Hiding the Page Number on the First Page

Sometimes, you may not want a page number on the first page. You can remove it without affecting other pages.

1. Double-click the header or footer to unlock it.
2. Go to the Design tab.
   
   
   
3. Check the Different First Page option.
4. The page number on the first page will disappear.

If the option is not selectable, ensure no object inside the header or footer is selected. Click in an empty space inside the header or footer to try again.

Restarting Page Numbering

You can restart page numbers on any page by adding a section break.

1. Place the cursor at the top of the page where numbering should restart.
   
   
   
2. Go to the Layout tab.
   
   
   
3. Click Breaks and choose Next Page.
4. Double-click the header or footer where the number needs to change.
   
   
   
5. Click Page Number and choose Format Page Numbers.
   
   
   
6. In the dialog box, select Start at and enter the new starting number.
   
   
   
7. Click OK to apply the changes.
   
   
   

The page numbers will now restart from the chosen number.