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How to Control Question Numbering in Microsoft Forms Quizzes

Rana Garcia Oct 13, 2026 868 views

Question details

A quiz creator wants to collect introductory information like names and email addresses without applying question numbers, ensuring the numbering begins at the first actual quiz question.

How to Control Question Numbering in Microsoft Forms Quizzes

Product: Microsoft Forms
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating a structured quiz where introductory or demographic fields need to be separate from the graded, numbered questions.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Forms automatically numbers all consecutive fields and currently does not support manually removing or reassigning question numbers.

Before you start

Log in to your Microsoft account and open the specific quiz in Microsoft Forms. Since native removal of numbering is not supported, you will need to adjust your form's structure using branching or descriptions.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Branching to Separate Introductory Information

Create a separate section for your introductory fields and use branching logic to seamlessly direct users to the first actual quiz question.

While you cannot remove numbers from the introductory questions, placing them in their own dedicated section and utilizing branching allows the first numbered item in the actual quiz section to function logically as the beginning of the test.

Add Introductory Questions

Open your quiz and add your introductory fields (e.g., Name, Email) at the very beginning of the form.

Create a Quiz Section

Click 'Add new', select the dropdown arrow for more question types, and click 'Section'. Title this new section for your actual quiz questions.

Open Branching Settings

Click the three dots (More settings for question) on your last introductory question and select 'Add branching'.

Configure Branching Logic

Under the 'Go to' dropdown for that introductory question, select the specific quiz section you just created. This ensures users bypass any other setup fields and go directly to the quiz.

Use Branching to Separate Introductory Information

Solution 2

Place Introductory Details in the Form Description

If the introductory information does not require user input, place it in the form description or an image to avoid unnecessary question numbering.

Create Custom Quizzes

Design Fully Customizable Quizzes in WPS Writer

If strict auto-numbering in Microsoft Forms disrupts your quiz layout, you can design a fully tailored quiz document using WPS Writer. This provides absolute control over numbering, text fields, and document structure before sharing it with students.

1. Create a New Document: Open WPS Office and create a new blank document in WPS Writer.
2. Add Introductory Fields: Type your introductory fields (e.g., Name, Class, Email) at the top of the page without applying any list formatting.
3. Insert a Separator: Go to the 'Insert' tab and add a Page Break or a visual shape line to divide the introduction from the main quiz.
4. Format Quiz Questions: Begin typing your quiz questions and apply the numbered list format starting with '1'.
5. Save and Export: Save the document as a .docx file, or go to 'Menu' > 'Export to PDF' to distribute a fixed-layout quiz.

Complete control over list numbering, allowing unnumbered introductory fields.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formats for easy sharing and printing.Easily export your finalized quiz as a fillable PDF using WPS built-in PDF tools.Free, lightweight software that features a familiar interface for quick adoption.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I manually assign specific numbers to questions in Microsoft Forms?

No, Microsoft Forms automatically assigns numbers in sequential order as you add fields. It does not currently support manual numbering overrides.

Is there a way to collect user names without adding a numbered question?

Yes, if your quiz is restricted to people within your organization, you can go to Form Settings and check 'Record name'. This automatically captures the respondent's name and email without needing to add them as numbered questions.

Does Microsoft Forms allow disabling question numbers entirely?

Microsoft Forms does not provide a native feature to hide or disable question numbering on quizzes or standard forms.

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