Template Issues

How to Restore Missing Word Building Blocks and Page Numbers

Rana Garcia Oct 23, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users cannot access or insert Word building blocks, such as page numbers, headers, and footers, due to a damaged built-in template.

How to Restore Missing Word Building Blocks and Page Numbers

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Trying to insert predefined elements like page numbers, headers, or footers into a Word document.
Observed behavior: The building blocks gallery is empty, and standard features like page numbers are unavailable even though the template file exists on the computer.

Before you start

Ensure Microsoft Word is completely closed before attempting to locate or rename any template files, as open files cannot be modified.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset the Built-in Building Blocks.dotx File

Renaming the corrupted template file forces Word to automatically generate a fresh, working copy upon the next startup.

This issue typically stems from a corrupted 'Built-In Building Blocks.dotx' file in your user profile. By renaming this file while Word is closed, the application will detect that the file is missing and recreate it from its default settings.

Close Microsoft Word

Save all your work and completely exit the Microsoft Word application.

Open the Run dialog

Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard simultaneously to open the Run window.

Navigate to the template folder

Type %userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Document Building Blocks\1033\16 into the Run dialog and press Enter. (Note: '1033' refers to US English, and '16' refers to Office 2016/2019/365. Adjust these folders if using a different language or older Office version).

Rename the template file

Locate the file named 'Built-In Building Blocks.dotx'. Right-click on it, select Rename, and change the name to 'Built-In Building Blocks.old'.

Restart Word

Open Microsoft Word again. The program will automatically recreate the building blocks file, restoring your page numbers, headers, and footers.

Reset the Built-in Building Blocks.dotx File

Folder Path Variations: If you cannot find the folder '16', check other numbered folders in the 'Document Building Blocks' directory, such as '15' for Office 2013 or '14' for Office 2010.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Stable and Hassle-Free Experience

If you frequently encounter corrupted templates, missing building blocks, or lost page numbers in Microsoft Word, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly stable environment for creating professional documents without the headache of complex file path resets.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download the free WPS Office suite and install it on your computer.
2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word document. All your previous formatting and templates will remain fully intact.
3. Insert Page Numbers Easily: Navigate to the Insert tab to easily add reliable page numbers, headers, and footers without dealing with configuration errors.

Seamless compatibility with Microsoft Word (.docx, .doc, .dotx) formats.Stable built-in features for inserting page numbers, headers, footers, and templates.Lightweight software architecture that minimizes application crashes and missing file errors.Completely free to download and use with a clean, familiar interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Word building blocks and page numbers disappear?

This usually happens when the 'Built-In Building Blocks.dotx' template file becomes corrupted or inaccessible. This system file is responsible for storing default headers, footers, page numbers, and cover pages.

Will resetting the Building Blocks file delete my custom templates?

No, resetting the 'Built-In Building Blocks.dotx' file only restores the default Microsoft templates. Your personalized templates are typically stored in the 'Normal.dotm' file or a separate custom building blocks file.

What should I do if the AppData folder is not visible?

The AppData folder is hidden by default in Windows. Using the %userprofile%\AppData shortcut in the Run dialog bypasses this, but you can also reveal it manually by checking 'Hidden items' in the View tab of Windows File Explorer.

Does running a Microsoft Office repair fix this issue?

Sometimes. A Quick Repair or Online Repair of Microsoft Office can replace missing core files, but manually renaming the corrupted Building Blocks file is often a much faster and more direct solution.

Document & File Issues