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Uninstall & Reinstall Issues

Fix Microsoft Office Repair Closing Applications Unexpectedly

WPS EditorWPS Editor Sep 28, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is attempting to repair Microsoft Office, but selecting the repair option causes the application to crash or close unexpectedly without resolving the issue.

How to Fix Microsoft Office Repair Closing Applications
Product
Microsoft Office
Device & OS
Windows
Scenario
Attempting to restore or repair malfunctioning Office applications without losing access to the software.
Observed behavior
The Office Repair option appears on the screen, but clicking it immediately closes the application instead of initiating the repair process.
Before you start

Ensure all Microsoft Office applications are completely closed and save any open documents before initiating a system-level repair to prevent data loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Run Online Repair from Windows Settings

Use the comprehensive Online Repair tool through Windows Settings, which bypasses the in-app repair trigger that is causing the application to crash.

When the internal repair mechanism fails and closes the application, running the repair process externally from your system settings is the safest workaround. The Online Repair option downloads fresh files from Microsoft's servers to thoroughly fix corrupted components.

1
Restart your computer

Restart your computer to clear any stuck background processes and ensure Word, Excel, and other Office applications are completely closed.

2
Open Apps & Features

Right-click the Windows Start button and select 'Apps and Features' or 'Installed apps' from the context menu.

3
Modify Microsoft Office

Scroll down the application list to find your Microsoft Office installation. Click on it (or click the three dots next to it on Windows 11) and select 'Modify'.

4
Select Online Repair

When the prompt appears, choose 'Online Repair' rather than 'Quick Repair' to ensure all corrupted files are replaced, then click 'Repair' and follow the on-screen prompts.

Run Online Repair from Windows Settings
Internet Connection Required: Online Repair requires a stable internet connection because it downloads clean application files directly from Microsoft servers.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Reliable and Seamless Experience

If Microsoft Office continues to crash or fail during repairs, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative that installs in seconds without complex repair loops.

  1. 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS website and click the free download button to get the lightweight installer.
  2. 2. Install in seconds: Run the setup file. WPS Office installs rapidly with just a few clicks, bypassing complex configurations.
  3. 3. Open existing files: Launch WPS Office and instantly open all your existing Microsoft Office files with perfect formatting preservation.
Fully compatible with all major Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Extremely lightweight installation that takes up less system resources and is less prone to corruption.Free to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate tabbed interface.Built-in PDF editing tools seamlessly integrated with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint alternatives.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft Office close unexpectedly when I click repair?

This usually occurs when the core executable files responsible for the in-app repair tool are themselves corrupted. When the application tries to call these broken functions, it encounters a fatal error and crashes.

What is the difference between Quick Repair and Online Repair?

Quick Repair runs locally and fixes minor issues quickly without needing an internet connection by replacing standard files. Online Repair downloads completely clean installation files from Microsoft servers to fix deep corruptions, which requires internet access and takes more time.

Will I lose my files if I uninstall and reinstall Microsoft Office?

No, uninstalling Microsoft Office only removes the application software. Your personal files, such as Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and presentations saved on your hard drive or OneDrive, will remain completely untouched.