Fix Word 365 Split View Opening at Wrong Document Location
Question details
The user is attempting to use the Split View feature in Word for Microsoft 365 but finds that the new pane does not sync with the current document location.
- Product
- Word for Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Using the Split window feature in Print Layout to view two different sections of a document simultaneously.
- Observed behavior
- While the original pane stays at the current page, the second split pane automatically opens near the beginning of the document. This glitch appears to occur in Print Layout view but not in Draft view.
Make sure your document is saved and check if you are actively working in Print Layout view before attempting to apply these shortcut workarounds.
Use the Go Back Shortcut (Shift+F5)
Use Word's native shortcut to quickly jump the cursor in the new split pane back to your original editing location.
Because this is a known rendering bug in certain builds of Word 365 on Windows, the most immediate workaround is to force the second pane to jump to your last known insertion point.
Click anywhere inside the newly opened split pane (the one that incorrectly jumped to the beginning of the document) to make it your active window.
Press Shift+F5 twice on your keyboard. This is the default shortcut for the 'GoBack' command.
The insertion point should now move to the same location you were viewing in the original pane, allowing you to scroll from the correct starting point.
Switch to Draft View
Change your document view to Draft mode before splitting the screen, as the glitch is isolated to Print Layout.
Update Microsoft 365 and Report the Bug
Install the latest Office updates to see if Microsoft has patched the bug, or send a report directly to the development team.
Experience Flawless Document Viewing with WPS Office
Frustrated by Microsoft Word 365 layout bugs like the Split View glitch? Switch to WPS Office for a stable, lightweight, and fully compatible word processing experience that works perfectly every time.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Install the free WPS Office suite on your Windows PC.
- 2. Open Your Document: Open your existing .docx files directly in WPS Writer with full formatting retained.
- 3. Use Split Window: Go to the View tab and click Split Window to view two sections of your document accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word 365 Split View open at the beginning of the document?
This is a known bug in certain versions of Word for Microsoft 365 on Windows. When using Print Layout, the secondary split pane sometimes fails to sync with the active cursor position and defaults to the top of page one.
What does the Shift+F5 shortcut do in Microsoft Word?
Shift+F5 is the default keyboard shortcut for the 'GoBack' command. It cycles your cursor through the last three locations where edits were made, which makes it a useful workaround for returning a stray window pane back to your active work area.
Does the Split View glitch happen in all Word document views?
No. Users report that the split window bug primarily affects the Print Layout view. Switching to Draft view before activating the split screen usually prevents the second pane from jumping to the wrong location.
