Word TOC repair
Table of contents not working in a Word thesis
A Word table of contents fails when the document structure underneath is wrong. The visible title may look correct, but Word only builds a reliable TOC from real heading styles, fields, and section structure.
Why the table of contents is empty
- Headings were typed manually instead of using Word heading styles.
- Heading levels are inconsistent across introduction, chapters, bibliography, or annexes.
- The TOC field was inserted before the document had proper headings.
- Text boxes, tables, or copied content hide headings from the TOC field.
- The document contains broken field codes or conflicting styles from templates.
Why entries are not clickable
Clickable TOC entries depend on Word fields and internal document anchors. A handmade list can look like a table of contents, but clicking it will not move to the section. A reliable repair needs real heading structure, then a generated table of contents.
What to check before submission
- Update the TOC and confirm page numbers change correctly.
- Click several entries in the DOCX and the exported PDF.
- Check that the sommaire, if required, is shorter than the detailed TOC.
- Confirm the introduction, chapters, conclusion, bibliography, and annexes appear at the right depth.