MS word indenting numbered list more than usual

Click in the very first level 1 list item. In Word for Windows, go to Home tab > Paragraph group > Multilevel List > Define New Multilevel List. Word displays the multilevel list dialog box in which you can adjust indentation for each numbering level. 

In the dialog box, "Aligned at" sets the position of the list symbol (number/letter). "Text indent at" defines the indent for the second and subsequent lines of the numbered paragraph. "Add tab stop at" determines where the text starts on the first line, following the number. All measurements are from the left margin. For a hanging indent, you'll have to set "Add tab stop at" equal to "Text indent at" (and the value should be larger than "Aligned at"). See the screen shot below. 

Long-term, multilevel lists should be set up so that each level is associated with a unique paragraph style. 

For more on multilevel lists and the multilevel list dialog box, see also https://shaunakelly.com/word/numbering/numbering20072010.html.

 

Take this:

 

1. Adjust List Indents:
• Click on the numbered list.
• Right-click the number and select Adjust List Indents.
• Modify the Number position and Text indent to match your usual formatting.
2. Modify the List Style:
• Go to Home > Styles.
• Right-click the style used for your numbered list and select Modify.
• Click Format > Numbering, then Adjust List Indents.
3. Check the Ruler:
• Enable the ruler by going to View > Ruler.
• Drag the indent markers to adjust the spacing.
4. Reset Word Settings (if the issue persists):
• Go to File > Options > Proofing.
• Click AutoCorrect Options, then AutoFormat As You Type.
• Ensure that "Set left- and first-indent with tabs and backspaces" is unchecked.