Few things are more frustrating than an unwanted page in a Microsoft Word document. Whether it’s a blank page at the end of a report, an extra page in the middle of a document, or a stubborn page that refuses to disappear, knowing how to delete a page in Word can save you time and frustration.
The good news is that deleting pages in Word is usually simple once you understand what’s causing them. In this guide, you’ll learn how to delete a page in Word document files on Windows, Mac, and Word Online, along with solutions for blank pages and pages that won’t delete.
Why Do Extra Pages Appear in Word?
Before learning how to delete a page in Word, it’s helpful to understand why unwanted pages appear.
Common causes include:
- Extra paragraph marks
- Manual page breaks
- Section breaks
- Empty tables
- Hidden formatting characters
- Large margins or spacing settings
Identifying the cause often makes the solution much easier.
How to Delete a Page in Word Document
The method depends on whether the page contains content or is completely blank.
Delete a Page With Content
If the page contains text, images, or other content:
- Click anywhere on the page.
- Highlight all content on that page.
- Press Delete or Backspace.
If the page disappears, the issue is resolved.
Faster Method
- Press Ctrl + G (Windows) or Option + Command + G (Mac).
- Type \page in the page number box.
- Click Go To.
- Close the dialog box.
- Press Delete.
This method selects the entire page automatically.
How to Delete a Blank Page in Word
Blank pages are among the most common Word issues.
Show Formatting Marks
First, reveal hidden formatting symbols.
On Windows
Press:
Ctrl + Shift + 8
On Mac
Press:
Command + 8
You will now see:
- Paragraph marks (¶)
- Page breaks
- Section breaks
- Hidden spaces
Delete any unnecessary marks causing the blank page.
How to Delete a Page in Word That Won’t Delete
One of the most searched Word problems is how to delete a page in Word that won’t delete.
When a page refuses to disappear, hidden formatting is usually responsible.
Check for Page Breaks
A manual page break forces content onto a new page.
To remove it:
- Display formatting marks.
- Locate the Page Break line.
- Highlight it.
- Press Delete.
The extra page should disappear immediately.
Check for Section Breaks
Section breaks can also create unwanted pages.
To remove them:
- Enable formatting marks.
- Find the Section Break.
- Select it carefully.
- Press Delete.
Be aware that deleting section breaks may affect document formatting.
How to Delete a Page in Word on Windows
If you’re using Microsoft Word on a Windows laptop or desktop computer, the process is straightforward.
Windows Method
- Open your document.
- Enable formatting marks.
- Identify unwanted content, breaks, or blank paragraphs.
- Delete the offending elements.
- Save the document.
This works for most recent Word versions, including Word 2018, Word 2025, and Microsoft 365.
How to Delete a Page in Word on a Laptop
Many users search for how to delete a page in Word on a laptop, but the process is the same as on desktop computers.
Whether you’re using:
- Dell
- HP
- Lenovo
- ASUS
- Acer
The steps remain identical because Word functions the same way across Windows devices.
How to Delete a Page in Word Mac
Mac users occasionally encounter slightly different menus and shortcuts.
Delete a Page in Word on Mac
- Open the document.
- Press Command + 8 to display formatting marks.
- Find any blank paragraphs or page breaks.
- Select them.
- Press Delete.
This method works for most versions of Microsoft Word for macOS.
How to Delete a Page in Word MacBook
If you’re using a MacBook, the process is exactly the same.
MacBook Steps
- Show formatting marks.
- Locate hidden content.
- Remove page or section breaks.
- Delete extra paragraph symbols.
The unwanted page should disappear instantly.
How to Delete a Page in Word Online
Microsoft Word Online works slightly differently than the desktop version.
Word Online Method
- Open your document in Word Online.
- Navigate to the unwanted page.
- Highlight content on the page.
- Press Delete.
If a blank page remains due to formatting issues, opening the document in the desktop version of Word often provides more control.
How to Delete a Page Using the Navigation Pane
The Navigation Pane makes it easier to locate pages in long documents.
How to Delete a Page in Word Navigation Pane
- Click the View tab.
- Enable Navigation Pane.
- Select Pages.
- Click the page thumbnail.
- Highlight content on that page.
- Press Delete.
This method works particularly well for documents with many pages.
How to Delete a Page in Word From Navigation Pane
The Navigation Pane doesn’t directly delete pages.
Instead, it helps you:
- Locate pages quickly
- Navigate through large documents
- Identify blank pages
- Find unwanted content
After locating the page, you’ll still need to delete the content causing it to exist.
How to Delete a Page in a Word Template
Templates often contain hidden formatting that creates extra pages.
Remove Template Pages
- Enable formatting marks.
- Check for section breaks.
- Remove unnecessary content placeholders.
- Delete blank paragraphs.
Be careful not to remove formatting required by the template design.
How to Delete a Page in a Word File
Whether it’s a report, resume, letter, or manuscript, the process remains consistent.
Quick Checklist
- Remove text
- Delete images
- Remove page breaks
- Remove section breaks
- Delete blank paragraphs
Most unwanted pages are caused by one of these elements.
Common Reasons a Word Page Won’t Delete
If you’re still having trouble, one of these issues may be responsible.
Hidden Paragraph Marks
Several empty paragraphs can push content onto a new page.
Large Tables
Word automatically places a paragraph after every table.
Section Breaks
Section formatting often creates additional pages.
Page Breaks
Manual page breaks are among the most common causes.
Hidden Objects
Images, text boxes, or embedded objects can force a new page.
Tips for Preventing Extra Pages in Word
A few simple habits can help avoid future issues.
Best Practices
- Use Page Breaks only when necessary.
- Review formatting marks regularly.
- Keep section breaks organized.
- Avoid repeatedly pressing Enter to create space.
- Use Word’s spacing tools instead of blank lines.
These practices help maintain cleaner documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I delete a page in Word?
Select all content on the page and press Delete. For blank pages, remove hidden formatting marks, page breaks, or section breaks.
How do I delete a blank page in Word?
Enable formatting marks and delete any extra paragraph symbols, page breaks, or section breaks.
How do I delete a page in Word that won’t delete?
Check for hidden page breaks, section breaks, or formatting symbols causing the page to remain.
How do I delete a page in Word on Mac?
Press Command + 8 to display formatting marks, then remove any unwanted page elements.
How do I delete a page in Word Online?
Select the page content and delete it. For complex formatting issues, use the desktop version of Word.
Can I delete a page using the Navigation Pane?
The Navigation Pane helps locate pages, but you must delete the content causing the page to exist.
Why does Word keep adding a blank page?
Extra paragraph marks, tables, page breaks, or section breaks are usually responsible.
Does deleting a page affect formatting?
Removing section breaks can change formatting, so review your document afterward.
Conclusion
Learning how to delete a page in Word is a valuable skill that can save countless hours of frustration. Whether you’re working with a blank page, a stubborn page that won’t delete, a Word template, or a document on Windows, Mac, or Word Online, the solution usually involves removing hidden formatting elements such as paragraph marks, page breaks, or section breaks.
By understanding the causes of unwanted pages and using the techniques outlined in this guide, you can keep your Word documents clean, professional, and properly formatted. The next time an extra page appears, you’ll know exactly how to remove it quickly and efficiently.