If you’re tired of Microsoft Word displaying two pages side by side, you’re in the right place. To switch back to a single-page view, head to the “View” tab, select “Zoom,” and then choose “One Page.” This will bring your document back to the familiar, single-page format. Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide to make this process a breeze.
Tutorial – Stop Word from Showing Two Pages at Once
By following these steps, you’ll learn how to adjust your Microsoft Word settings to display only one page at a time. This can make editing and reading your documents much easier.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Word
Start by launching Microsoft Word and opening the document you’re working on.
Make sure the document is open and ready for you to make changes. If Word is not open, locate it on your computer and double-click to access.
Step 2: Go to the View Tab
Navigate to the “View” tab located on the ribbon at the top of your screen.
The “View” tab is where all the display settings are housed, allowing you to customize how your document appears.
Step 3: Select Zoom
In the “View” tab, find and click on “Zoom.”
The “Zoom” option helps you control the size and layout of your document view. It’s an essential tool for adjusting how you see things.
Step 4: Choose One Page
In the Zoom dialog box, click on “One Page” to adjust the view.
Selecting “One Page” ensures that only one page is visible at a time. This is especially useful for focused editing or reviewing.
Step 5: Confirm Your Selection
Press “OK” to apply the change and return to your document.
Clicking “OK” saves your choice and instantly changes the view, so you won’t have to deal with the two-page display anymore.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your document will now show only one page at a time. This makes reading and editing a lot more manageable, especially if you’re used to seeing one page at a time.
Tips for Stopping Word from Showing Two Pages at Once
- Regularly check the View settings: updates or accidental clicks can change them, so keep an eye on them.
- Use keyboard shortcuts: Pressing “Alt + W” can quickly bring you to the “View” tab.
- Experiment with different views: Besides “One Page,” try “Page Width” or “100%” to see what suits you best.
- Customize your toolbar: Add the “Zoom” button to your Quick Access Toolbar for faster access.
- Reset your view settings: If things get messed up, returning to default settings can fix display issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word display two pages at once?
Word may show two pages side by side due to the Zoom settings or when in “Read Mode” or “Print Layout.”
How do I reset my Word view settings?
Go to the “View” tab, click “Zoom,” and choose “One Page” or “100%.” This resets your document view.
Can I make the single-page view the default setting?
While Word doesn’t allow you to set a default, regularly checking your view settings when opening documents can help maintain consistency.
What if the “Zoom” option is grayed out?
If “Zoom” is unavailable, make sure you’re not in an incompatible mode, such as “Full-Screen Reading.”
Will this change affect how my document prints?
No, changing the view settings only affects your display. It won’t impact how your document prints.
Summary
- Open Microsoft Word.
- Go to the View Tab.
- Select Zoom.
- Choose One Page.
- Confirm Your Selection.
Conclusion
Adjusting your Microsoft Word settings to stop showing two pages at once can greatly improve your document viewing experience. With just a few clicks, you can customize your workspace to make it more comfortable and efficient. This simple adjustment can help you focus on your content without unnecessary distractions.
Remember, technology is here to serve you, not the other way around. If you often find yourself wrestling with unwanted settings, take a moment to explore what works best for you. Consider bookmarking this guide or sharing it with friends who might be struggling with the same issue.
For more tips and tricks on optimizing your Word experience, feel free to explore other guides or community forums. Every click brings you closer to mastering your tools, so don’t hesitate to dive in and make Word work for you.

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.