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If you would like to start page numbering on page 3 of a Microsoft Office Word* document, you need to split up your document into sections. The following steps provide you with screenshots to lead you through the process.
Step 1: Separate your MS Word document into sections
In order to insert page numbers from page 3 onwards, you need to split up your document into sections.
- Set the cursor to the end of the text on the second page.
- Click on the tab named “Layout”. You will find the button “Breaks” and “Section Breaks” in the drop-down list. Chose “Next Page”.

- Now go to page 3 and open the footer. The tab “Design” will appear in the menu.
- Deactivate the option “Link To Previous”.

Step 2: Insert page numbers
Time needed: 2 minutes.
After you separated your MS Word document into sections you have to insert the page numbers
- Put the cursor in the footer of page 3
- Go to the tab “Insert” and click on the button “Page Number”
How to insert a page number (c) Screenshot
- Choose your preferred design
By default, MS Word inserts page number 3. If you want to start page numbering with 1, proceed with the following steps.
- Click on “Format Page Numbers”
Click on “Format Page Numbers” in the drop-down menu of the button “Page Number”.
Change the “start at” page number to whatever number you like (c) Screenshot
- Choose “Start at”
Choose “Start at” and insert the page number you want to start at.
If you want to start page numbering on page 2 follow the instructions and set the cursor to the end of the text on the first page.