Document Editing Problems

How to Fix REF Fields Not Updating Automatically in Word

John Wilson Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to get REF (reference) fields to update automatically in a Microsoft Word document, despite other field types updating correctly.

How to Fix REF Fields Not Updating Automatically in Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to refresh cross-reference (REF) fields within a document to reflect the latest text changes.
Observed behavior: REF fields fail to update using standard methods on a specific computer, which may be caused by keyboard mapping issues, missing Fn keys, or document view glitches.

Before you start

Check your physical keyboard to see if you have an 'Fn' (Function) key. On many modern laptops and external keyboards, you must press and hold the Fn key to use standard function keys like F9.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Standard Keyboard Shortcut (Ctrl+A and F9)

This is the most direct method to force all fields in your document to refresh their data simultaneously.

In most cases, fields do not update automatically in real-time to save processing power. You need to manually trigger the update command for the entire document.

Select all text

Click anywhere inside your document and press 'Ctrl + A' on your keyboard to highlight all the content.

Update the fields

Press the 'F9' key. If your computer requires it, press 'Fn + F9' instead. You should see the REF fields update to their latest values.

Use the Standard Keyboard Shortcut (Ctrl+A and F9)

Keyboard Variations: If you are using an external keyboard that lacks an Fn key, try pressing F9 directly. If the fields still do not update, proceed to the next solutions.

Solution 2

Update Fields in Draft View

Switching the document view can bypass certain display glitches that prevent fields from refreshing in Print Layout.

Solution 3

Assign a Custom Keyboard Shortcut to UpdateFields

If the F9 key is broken or assigned to a system function, you can map the field update command to a different key combination.

Effortless Document Editing

Update Fields Seamlessly with WPS Writer

If you are tired of dealing with complex shortcut mappings and document view glitches, WPS Office offers a smooth and highly compatible word processing experience. Updating reference fields in WPS Writer is straightforward and works consistently across all your devices.

1. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document containing your REF fields.
2. Select document content: Press 'Ctrl + A' to select all the text within your document.
3. Update the fields: Right-click anywhere on the selected text and choose 'Update Field' from the context menu, or simply press the 'F9' key.

One-click field updates through a highly responsive and intuitive user interfaceSeamless compatibility with Microsoft Word DOCX formats and existing REF fieldsFree to use and lightweight, ensuring quick installation and fast performanceFamiliar layout requires no learning curve for easy migration

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do REF fields update on one computer but not another?

This discrepancy is usually caused by hardware differences, such as a keyboard with an active 'Fn Lock', or differences in custom keyboard shortcut assignments in the Word settings on that specific computer.

How can I automatically update all fields before printing?

You can force fields to update automatically when you print. Go to File > Options > Display, and under 'Printing options', check the box for 'Update fields before printing'.

Does the F9 shortcut work for updating other types of fields?

Yes, pressing F9 while the text is selected will refresh most dynamic fields in your document, including Table of Contents (TOC), formulas, and date fields.

Document & File Issues