Word Can’t Delete Empty Pages? [Fix!]

Word does not create blank pages randomly. Every page exists because something is forcing it to exist, even if that something is invisible at first glance.

Common causes include extra paragraph marks created by pressing Enter too many times, manual page breaks inserted accidentally, section breaks that control layout, and tables that extend to the bottom of a page. Sometimes, font size or spacing settings also push content onto a new page.

Once you know the cause, fixing the issue becomes much easier.

This detailed guide explains why Word cannot delete an empty page and shows you clear fixes that actually work. 

Word Can’t Delete Empty Pages? Fix!

If Microsoft Word will not delete an empty page, it is usually caused by hidden paragraph marks, page breaks, section breaks, or formatting rules linked to tables. By revealing hidden formatting and adjusting layout settings, you can remove the unwanted blank page safely without damaging the rest of your document.

Let’s explore all the steps in detail!

Step 1: Show Hidden Formatting Marks

The first and most important step is revealing what Word normally hides from view.

Open your document in Microsoft Word. Go to the Home tab and locate the paragraph section. Click the option that shows formatting symbols. Once enabled, you will see paragraph marks, page breaks, and section breaks displayed on the page.

These symbols help you identify what is creating the empty page. Most of the time, you will notice several paragraph marks stacked together at the end of the document or a clear page break label.

This step alone solves confusion for many users because it makes the problem visible.

Step 2: Delete Extra Paragraph Marks

Extra paragraph marks are one of the most common reasons Word refuses to delete an empty page.

After enabling formatting marks, scroll to the empty page. If you see multiple paragraph symbols, place your cursor in front of them and press Delete. You may need to repeat this process until the page disappears.

If deleting paragraph marks does not work, try selecting them and reducing the font size to the smallest possible value. Also, set the line spacing to single. This often pulls the content back onto the previous page.

This method is safe and does not affect the rest of the document structure.

Step 3: Remove Manual Page Breaks

Sometimes an empty page exists because of a manual page break inserted earlier.

When formatting marks are visible, look for text that says Page Break. Place your cursor just before the page break and press Delete. The empty page should disappear immediately.

If you want content to stay separated but without the extra page, consider using paragraph spacing instead of a page break.

Manual page breaks are helpful, but they are also one of the most frequent reasons blank pages appear unexpectedly.

Step 4: Fix Section Break Issues

Section breaks are slightly more complex than page breaks. They control layout, orientation, headers, footers, and numbering.

If your empty page contains a label such as Section Break Next Page or Section Break Odd Page, that break is forcing Word to create a new page.

Place your cursor before the section break and press Delete. Be careful because deleting a section break may change formatting in other sections of the document.

If you need to keep the section but remove the blank page, replace the section break with a continuous section break instead. This keeps formatting intact while removing the forced page.

Step 5: Adjust Tables That Create Empty Pages

Tables are another major cause of undeletable empty pages, especially when they sit at the end of a document.

Word always requires at least one paragraph mark after a table. If the table reaches the bottom of the page, that paragraph mark gets pushed to a new page, creating a blank page that cannot be deleted normally.

Click after the table and select the paragraph mark. Change its font size to one point and set spacing before and after to zero. You can also hide it by marking the paragraph as hidden text.

This pulls the paragraph back onto the same page and removes the blank page without altering the table.

Step 6: Check Page Margins and Layout Settings

Sometimes the page layout itself causes content to spill over.

Go to the Layout tab and check margins. If margins are too large, Word may push even a single line onto a new page.

Reduce margins slightly and see if the blank page disappears. Also, review page size and orientation settings. A mismatch between sections can trigger an extra page.

This fix is especially useful when dealing with resumes, academic papers, or formatted reports.

Step 7: Clear Empty Pages at the End of a Document

Empty pages at the end of a Word document are particularly frustrating.

Scroll to the last page and enable formatting marks. If you see paragraph symbols, delete them. If they refuse to disappear, reduce font size and spacing as explained earlier.

If the page remains, check for section breaks or tables that extend too far down the previous page.

In most cases, adjusting hidden formatting solves the issue completely.

Step 8: Convert the Document to PDF and Back

This method is optional but effective when formatting is severely broken.

Save your document as a PDF. Then open the PDF in Word or convert it back to a Word file. Word rebuilds the layout during conversion, often removing unnecessary blank pages automatically.

Use this method carefully, as it may slightly alter formatting, especially in complex documents.

Step 9: Use Print Layout View

Sometimes the issue only appears in certain views.

Switch to Print Layout view from the View tab. This view shows how Word actually divides pages for printing.

In Print Layout view, it becomes easier to identify what content is causing the extra page. From there, apply the earlier steps to remove it.

Step 10: Update or Repair Microsoft Word

If blank pages appear frequently across different documents, the issue may be software-related.

Check for updates and install the latest version of Microsoft Word. If problems persist, consider repairing Office through system settings.

While rare, outdated or corrupted installations can cause layout issues.

Faqs

Why does Word keep adding an empty page?

Word adds an empty page because hidden elements like paragraph marks, page breaks, or section breaks are forcing content onto a new page. Tables and margin settings can also trigger this behavior.

Why can’t I delete a blank page after a table?

Word requires a paragraph mark after every table. If the table reaches the bottom of the page, that paragraph mark moves to a new page. Adjusting its font size or spacing usually fixes the issue.

Does deleting section breaks affect formatting?

Yes, deleting section breaks can change headers, footers, and page orientation. If you need the section, replace it with a continuous section break instead of removing it completely.

Is an empty page a Word bug?

In most cases, it is not a bug. It is caused by document structure and formatting rules built into Word.

Can I prevent empty pages in future documents?

Yes. Avoid excessive Enter key use, manage page breaks carefully, and check formatting marks regularly when editing long documents.