Forum Discussion
Formatting issues in Word Microsoft 365 Copilot online.
I am experiencing formatting issues in Word (Microsoft 365 Copilot online). I am a student, and I have a problem formatting my thesis in M365 Copilot after previously working on this file on an older device with an older version of Word.
I recently purchased a new laptop, where I no longer have access to that same version of Word. My only option now is to use Word in the browser. However, the file that formatted correctly on the old device is now not formatting properly.
The automatic table of contents is breaking. After clicking “Update,” Word assigns random page numbers, most often all entries show as page “8,” or, for example, the “Introduction,” which is actually on page 3 (I manually set page numbering in the old version), suddenly appears as page 5 in the table of contents. Every chapter and subchapter is shown as being on the same page, usually page 8. The formatting options and capabilities also seem worse compared to the interface of the older version.
The same issue occurs on my student account. Please help, I am currently writing my thesis.
5 Replies
One thing I’d add is to keep the original DOCX and avoid manually rebuilding complex section/page numbering if possible. I’m building TypesetOS specifically around existing Word theses and university formatting requirements, so this kind of TOC/section-formatting problem is exactly what I’m testing it against. It’s at typesetos.com if useful I’m the founder, so mentioning that for transparency.
One thing I’d add is to keep the original DOCX and avoid manually rebuilding complex section/page numbering if possible. I’m building TypesetOS specifically around existing Word theses and university formatting requirements, so this kind of TOC/section-formatting problem is exactly what I’m testing it against. It’s at typesetos.com if useful I’m the founder, so mentioning that for transparency.
This usually happens because Microsoft Word Online doesn’t fully support advanced formatting like desktop versions, so first open the file in desktop Microsoft Word and update the table of contents there. Also check that all your headings still use proper “Heading 1, 2, 3” styles and remove any manual page numbering you added earlier becuase that often breaks TOC syncing. If you must stay online, try clearing formatting and reapplying styles, but honestly its a bit buggy sometimes so desktop fix is more reliable.
You should not be writing or editing any important documents in Word online if you can avoid it. Especially not one as complex as a thesis. It simply is not designed to handle it and will mess things up. You must use the desktop application. If you do not have direct access, perhaps on a library computer.
See The different programs called Word offered by Microsoft - a pdf
Resources:
- Quick Reference Card for Headers, Footers and Page Numbers - a pdf
- Numbering Front Matter by Suzanne Barnhill, MVP
- Page Numbers in Word 2007-2024 (365)
- How to create a table of contents in Microsoft Word by Shauna Kelly
- TOC Tips and Tricks by Suzanne Barnhill, MVP
That everything is showing as page 8 tells me that it is a typed number, not a PAGE field.
It may the limitation in Word Online compared to the desktop application. Specifically, the automatic Table of Contents (TOC) in Word Online may display incorrect or duplicate page numbers because the web version does not fully support manual page numbering or advanced TOC customization.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5762013/table-of-contents-bug
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/format-or-customize-a-table-of-contents-in-word-9d85eb9c-0b55-4795-8abb-a49885b3a58d
