Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix Page Up Key Not Working in Microsoft Word

Maira Mehtab Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to use the Page Up key to scroll or navigate through documents in Microsoft Word, even though the key functions properly in other applications.

How to Fix the Page Up Key Not Working in Microsoft Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Navigating and scrolling through a Word document using keyboard shortcuts.
Observed behavior: The Page Up key fails to move the cursor or screen up by one page, likely due to overridden, unassigned, or conflicting keyboard customizations within the application.

Before you start

Verify that your physical Page Up key is working by testing it in another application like a web browser or Notepad before modifying Word's internal settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Reassign the PageUp Command in Word Settings

Check Word's custom keyboard settings and manually map the Page Up key back to the correct navigation command.

Microsoft Word allows extensive customization of keyboard shortcuts. Sometimes, third-party add-ins, macros, or accidental user changes can unassign or remap the default Page Up key functionality. Reassigning the shortcut directly in the Options menu usually resolves this issue.

Open Word Options

Click on the 'File' tab located in the top-left corner of Microsoft Word, and select 'Options' from the bottom of the left-hand menu.

Access Ribbon Customization

In the Word Options dialog box, select 'Customize Ribbon' from the left pane. Then, look for the 'Keyboard shortcuts' label at the bottom and click the 'Customize...' button next to it.

Locate the PageUp Command

In the Customize Keyboard window, scroll down the 'Categories' list and select 'All Commands'. Next, scroll through the 'Commands' list on the right and select 'PageUp'.

Assign the Shortcut Key

Click inside the 'Press new shortcut key' text box and physically press the 'Page Up' key on your keyboard. Click the 'Assign' button at the bottom left, remove any conflicting shortcuts if prompted, and click 'Close'.

Reassign the PageUp Command in Word Settings

Test with a Blank Document: If the key works after applying these settings but fails in a specific file, that particular document may have corrupted formatting or conflicting macros.

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Switch to WPS Office for a Bug-Free Typing Experience

If Microsoft Word continues to experience keyboard shortcut failures or configuration issues, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and user-friendly interface that works reliably right out of the box.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download and install the free software suite on your device.
2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer, click 'Open', and select your existing Microsoft Word document. Your formatting will remain intact.
3. Navigate Effortlessly: Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to smoothly scroll through your document instantly without needing to configure custom shortcuts.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx, .doc) and other standard formats.Reliable keyboard shortcuts and document navigation without complex settings.Free to use and lightweight, consuming minimal system resources.Familiar tabbed user interface for seamless migration.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Page Up key suddenly stop working in Word?

This typically occurs if a recent software update, an installed add-in, or a custom macro accidentally reassigned or removed the default keyboard shortcuts for document navigation.

Does the Num Lock key affect the Page Up function?

Yes. If you are using the Page Up key located on your keyboard's numeric keypad (number 9), you must ensure that Num Lock is turned off. If Num Lock is on, pressing the key will type the number '9' instead of scrolling up.

How can I reset all keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Word to default?

Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon, click 'Customize...' next to Keyboard shortcuts, and then click the 'Reset All' button at the bottom of the Customize Keyboard dialog box.

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