How to Fix Side to Side Page Movement Greyed Out in Microsoft Word
Question details
The user is unable to use the Side to Side page movement feature to view a document like a book because the option is disabled.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Trying to view a document in a book-like layout after installing Microsoft 365 Personal.
- Observed behavior
- The Side to Side page movement option located on the View tab is greyed out and unclickable.
Ensure you are viewing an actual document in Word's full editing view, and that the Microsoft Word application window is fully maximized on your screen.
Switch to Print Layout and Disable Document Protection
The Side to Side option is often disabled when the document is in Read Mode, opened as an embedded object, or protected against editing.
Microsoft Word restricts certain layout options depending on how a document is opened. If the file is in a restricted state, protected, or opened in a specialized reading mode, the Page Movement group features will become unavailable.
Navigate to the View tab on the top ribbon and click on 'Print Layout' instead of Read Mode or Web Layout.
Go to File > Info and look for the 'Protect Document' section to see if restrictions are applied.
If the document is restricted, click 'Stop Protection'. You may be prompted to enter a password if the author set one.
Return to the View tab. The 'Side to Side' button in the Page Movement group should now be active. Click it to view your document like a book.
Review Page Setup Settings
Conflicting page setup configurations can prevent the Side to Side page movement from working properly.
Install the Latest Office Updates
Updating your Microsoft 365 installation ensures you have the latest features and bug fixes that might resolve interface glitches.
Easily Read Documents Side-by-Side with WPS Office
If Microsoft Word continues to restrict your document views, try WPS Office. It provides a dedicated reading mode and smooth side-by-side viewing for all your Word documents, completely free of charge.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your computer.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word document.
- 3. Navigate to View: Click on the View tab located on the top ribbon.
- 4. Enable Multiple Pages: Select 'Multiple Pages' to instantly view your document in a comfortable, side-by-side book layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the View tab restricted in my Word document?
The document might be opened in Protected View, typically because it was downloaded from the internet or received as an email attachment. Clicking 'Enable Editing' in the top warning bar usually restores these options.
Can I use Side to Side view on a mobile device or tablet?
The Side to Side page movement feature is primarily designed for the desktop versions of Microsoft Word 365. Mobile versions handle document reflow and reading modes differently, often lacking the exact Side to Side desktop feature.
Does zooming affect the Side to Side layout?
Yes. If you manually adjust the zoom slider to a very high percentage, Word may force a single-page view. Side to Side view works best when the zoom level accommodates two pages on your screen simultaneously.
