Normally, you should be able to update cross-references by switching to Print Preview and back.

As I wrote in my first reply, the problem is with the hidden bookmarks that Word creates for any cross-referenced item. The bookmark starts at the beginning of a cross-referenced paragraph (a heading in this case) and extends to the last character. Adding text, or pressing Enter, at the end of a cross-referenced (bookmarked) paragraph is perfectly safe, while adding text or pressing Enter at the beginning of that same paragraph extends the bookmark (making cross-references to text or numbers incorrect).

In other words, if you have two (numbered) headings as foillows:

First Heading 1 paragraph <--- Press Enter here if you want to add a new paragraph between these two paragraphs

Second Heading 1 paragraph

and you have created a cross-reference to the second paragraph, or to both of them, you must place the insertion point at the end of the first paragraph whenever you want to add a new paragraph between them.

If you break the rule, the cross-reference will be messed up.

No matter how cross-references have been created, they must be updated (like most other fields).

__________________
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP

Microsoft 365 apps for business
Windows 11 Professional