How to Fix Frozen Page and Line Numbers in Word 2021 Status Bar
Question details
The page and line numbers in the Word 2021 status bar stop updating or freeze while editing a document.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 2021
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Editing a document where real-time tracking of page and line numbers is needed.
- Observed behavior
- The status bar displays incorrect or frozen page and line numbers (e.g., getting stuck on a specific page or line) even as the user navigates or adds new pages to the document.
Save your document progress to prevent any data loss, and ensure that your document is not currently locked for editing by another user or macro.
Reset the Status Bar Page and Line Number Displays
Toggling the display options in the status bar forces Word to refresh the interface and update the tracking numbers.
This is the quickest and most effective method for clearing minor interface glitches in the Word status bar without having to restart the application.
Right-click anywhere on the blank space of the Word status bar located at the very bottom of the document window.
In the 'Customize Status Bar' menu that appears, locate and click on 'Formatted Page Number', 'Page Number', and 'Line Number' to uncheck and disable them.
Right-click the status bar again and reselect those exact same options to turn them back on. Check the status bar to see if the page and line numbers are now tracking your cursor correctly.
Restart Word and Perform an Online Office Repair
If resetting the status bar doesn't work, restarting the application or repairing the Office installation can resolve deeper software glitches.
Experience Glitch-Free Document Editing with WPS Office
If Microsoft Word 2021 continues to freeze or display incorrect page numbers, switch to WPS Office. It provides a highly stable, lightweight environment with real-time status tracking and full compatibility with your existing Word documents.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and install it on your computer.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx file. All of your formatting will remain perfectly intact.
- 3. Edit with Real-Time Tracking: Continue editing your document seamlessly while relying on the accurate, glitch-free status bar at the bottom of the screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my page and line numbers suddenly stop updating in Word 2021?
This issue is typically caused by a temporary UI glitch in Word's status bar cache, a background pagination error, or an outdated Office installation. Resetting the status bar options usually clears the bug instantly.
How can I view my exact page and line number if the status bar is broken?
You can press Ctrl + G to open the 'Go To' dialog box, which will display your current position. Alternatively, you can temporarily insert page numbers into the document's header or footer for reference.
Will repairing Microsoft Office delete my personal files and documents?
No, performing an Online Repair from the Windows Settings only repairs and replaces corrupted application files for the Office suite. Your personal documents, including Word files, will not be affected or deleted.
