I used a header and footer for the first time in a document a few days ago. Now every time I open a new Word doc, I have a header & footer. I can't seem to get rid of them. I've tried going into the drop down menu [after clicking on 'Header' on the ribbon] and clicking on 'Remove Header' but that doesn't work.





I'd appreciate any advice.

Thanks

Is there any content in the header or footer?

Your picture does not show any. If there is no content, when you are in any view other than the header/footer edit view, nothing should be showing or printing.

Header/Footer Settings Recap

If there is content, you have somehow modified your normal template and need to change it back. If you have no other customizations, the simple way to do that is to rename the normal template with Word closed. Normal Template in Microsoft Word - How to Find or Open the Normal Template

Exit Word and then locate and rename the Normal.dotm template. Restart Word, after which a new version (with factory default settings) of the template will be created.

__________________
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP

Microsoft 365 apps for business
Windows 11 Professional