How do I start page numbers on the second page?
If you only want to skip a cover page, use Different First Page. For later changes, insert section breaks.
Insert page numbers
To add page numbers in Word, use the Page Number command on the Insert tab and choose the position and style.
word page numbersword insert page numberword page number footer
Environment
Word for Windows
Fast answer
Go to Insert > Page Number and choose top, bottom, or current position.
Steps
1
Open the Insert tab
Move to the Insert tab on the ribbon.
2
Choose Page Number
Open Page Number and choose Top of Page, Bottom of Page, or Current Position.
3
Adjust the format if needed
If you need a different starting number or number format, open Format Page Numbers.
4
Close header and footer editing
Close header/footer editing or double-click the main document area.
Common pitfalls
- If numbering must change mid-document, you need section breaks.
- If the header or footer is still linked to the previous section, the same number settings may repeat unexpectedly.
What to do next
Instead of stopping on this page, here are three next actions that are easy to take right away.
Check the Word shortcuts too
If you want the same task to take less time next time, review the matching shortcuts while this workflow is still fresh.
Open shortcut list
Handle similar Word tasks together
You can continue into nearby tasks such as page numbers, headers, and spacing without searching again.
Open operation guides
Improve Excel speed next
If you also work with tables often, connecting this to Excel shortcuts and formulas widens the time savings across daily work.
Open Excel
Related shortcuts
FAQ
Why do all pages show the same number settings?
The header or footer may still be linked to the previous section. Check the link settings section by section.