Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix Microsoft Word Status Bar, Headers, and Licensing

Camila Milosovich Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to restore line numbers in the Word status bar, edit document headers, and determine if their Microsoft 365 subscription includes the desktop version of Word.

How to Fix Microsoft Word Status Bar, Headers, and Licensing

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Customizing the document interface settings and verifying software licensing inclusions.
Observed behavior: Line numbers are missing from the status bar, headers require modification, and there is uncertainty regarding whether Microsoft 365 includes the full desktop application of Word.

Before you start

Ensure you are signed into your Microsoft account to accurately verify your licensing details, and open a blank document to safely test your interface changes.

Solution 1Recommended

Restore Line Numbers and Edit Headers

Easily bring back line number tracking on your Word interface and modify your document's header.

The status bar at the bottom of the Word window is fully customizable. If line numbers or word counts disappear, they can be easily toggled back on.

Customize the Status Bar

Right-click anywhere on the blank space of the bottom status bar in Microsoft Word. From the Customize Status Bar menu that appears, click on 'Line Number' to check it and display it on your screen.

Edit the Document Header

Double-click the top margin of your document to automatically open the Header & Footer tab. Alternatively, go to the Insert tab on the ribbon, select Header, and choose 'Edit Header' to make your changes.

Quick Tip: You can use the same right-click menu on the status bar to add or remove other helpful trackers, such as Word Count, Page Number, and Zoom Slider.

Solution 2

Check Microsoft 365 Licensing for Desktop Word

Verify whether your current Microsoft 365 subscription provides access to the full desktop application of Word.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office as a Free Alternative to Microsoft Word

If your Microsoft 365 license has expired or doesn't include the desktop version of Word, WPS Office provides a fully featured, lightweight, and free alternative. It offers a familiar interface, seamless migration, and powerful tools for document formatting, including customizable status bars and headers.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installation package for your PC or Mac.
2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up the suite.
3. Open Your Word Documents: Double-click your existing .docx files to seamlessly edit them in WPS Writer with perfect format retention.

100% compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx, .doc) and other major formats.Free to download and use with a familiar, easy-to-learn interface.Includes full header, footer, and status bar customization options similar to Word.Lightweight installation that runs smoothly on both older and newer devices.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the status bar missing completely in Microsoft Word?

The status bar might be hidden due to a display glitch or because you are in full-screen mode. Try pressing the 'Esc' key to exit full-screen reading mode, or restart Word to restore the default interface layout.

Can I buy Microsoft Word without a Microsoft 365 subscription?

Yes, Microsoft offers a standalone, one-time purchase version of Microsoft Word (often bundled as Office Home & Student). However, this version does not receive the ongoing feature updates that the Microsoft 365 subscription provides.

How do I remove a header from only the first page in Word?

Double-click the header area to open the Header & Footer menu, then check the box labeled 'Different First Page' in the ribbon. You can then delete the content on the first page while keeping it intact on all subsequent pages.

Does WPS Office support Microsoft Word's header and footer formats?

Yes, WPS Office is fully compatible with Microsoft Word documents. Any headers, footers, line numbers, or page numbers created in Word will display and function perfectly when opened in WPS Writer.

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