Formatting Issues

How to Fix Repeat Header Rows Greyed Out in Word

Rana Garcia Oct 23, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to set a table header to repeat across multiple pages because the 'Repeat Header Rows' command is unavailable.

How to Fix Repeat Header Rows Greyed Out in Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to configure a multi-page table to automatically display header rows on every new page.
Observed behavior: The Repeat Header Rows option in the layout ribbon and context menu is greyed out and unclickable.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting, ensure your document is set to Print Layout view, as repeated header rows will not display visually in Web Layout or Draft views.

Solution 1Recommended

Change Table Text Wrapping to None

Word automatically disables the Repeat Header Rows feature if the table is formatted with text wrapping. Disabling text wrapping will restore the function.

When a table is set to wrap text 'Around' it, Word treats the table as a floating object rather than an inline element. Floating tables cannot break across pages naturally, which disables pagination features like repeating headers.

Select the Table

Hover over the table and click the four-headed arrow icon that appears at the top-left corner to select the entire table.

Open Table Properties

Right-click anywhere on the selected table and choose 'Table Properties' from the context menu.

Modify Text Wrapping

In the Table Properties dialog box, go to the 'Table' tab. Under the 'Text wrapping' section, select the 'None' option.

Apply Changes

Click 'OK' to save your changes. The Repeat Header Rows button should now be clickable in the Layout tab.

Formatting Tip: Removing text wrapping may slightly shift your document's layout. You can adjust the table's alignment (Left, Center, or Right) in the same Table Properties menu to correct it.

Solution 2

Select the First Row of the Table

The Repeat Header Rows command requires you to explicitly select the very first row of your table.

Easy Table Management

Easily Manage Table Headers with WPS Writer

If you frequently work with complex tables and large documents, WPS Writer offers a highly intuitive interface to manage table layouts without frustrating formatting conflicts.

1. Open your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your multi-page document containing the table.
2. Select the Header Row: Click anywhere inside the first row of your table to place your cursor there.
3. Access Table Tools: Navigate to the 'Table Tools' tab located on the top navigation ribbon.
4. Apply Repeat Header Rows: Click the 'Repeat Header Rows' button. Your headers will instantly duplicate across all pages where the table continues.

Free to download and use for essential document creationFully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formats and tablesIntuitive table layout tools for easy header and pagination managementLightweight, fast performance on all operating systems

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why don't my table headers show up on the next page even after enabling the feature?

This usually happens if your document is in Web Layout or Draft view. Switch to Print Layout view to see the headers. Additionally, check if a manual page break was inserted inside the table; repeating headers only work with automatic page breaks.

Can I select multiple rows to repeat as headers in Word?

Yes, you can repeat multiple rows. However, your selection must be continuous and must include the very first row of the table. Selecting row 2 and 3 without row 1 will keep the feature greyed out.

Does 'Repeat Header Rows' work if I split the table manually?

No. When you use the 'Split Table' command, Word treats the sections as entirely separate tables. The header from the first table will not automatically apply to the newly created second table.

Document & File Issues