Fix Word and Excel Errors with Office Online Repair on Windows 10
Question details
The user needs to repair Office after intermittent Word errors persist or may not be resolved by Quick Repair.
- Product
- Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Word intermittently reports an error and prompts the user to repair Office.
- Observed behavior
- Quick Repair may not correct damaged installation files or shared Office components.
Connect to the internet and close Word, Excel, and other Office apps before starting Online Repair. Make sure you can approve an administrator prompt if Windows asks for permission.
Run Office Online Repair from Apps & Features
Use Online Repair when Quick Repair has not resolved the error or damaged Office components are suspected.
Online Repair uses an internet connection to repair the Office installation. It affects the installed Office suite, not just Word.
Select Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
Select your Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Office installation in the app list, then choose Modify. Approve the Windows permission prompt if it appears.
Select Online Repair, choose Repair, and follow the prompts until the repair finishes.
Restart Windows, then open Word and Excel from the Start menu to check whether both apps work correctly.
Run Office Online Repair from Control Panel
Use Control Panel if you prefer it or cannot find the Modify option in Apps & features.
Work with Word and Excel Files in WPS Office
WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative with a familiar interface for working with documents and spreadsheets. Its Office format compatibility helps you move existing files into WPS, though it does not repair Microsoft Office itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Online Repair different from Quick Repair?
Quick Repair runs without an internet connection, while Online Repair uses the internet to perform a more thorough repair of the Office installation. Choose Online Repair from the Office Modify or Change menu.
Will repairing Office also repair Excel if the error appears in Word?
The repair applies to the installed Office suite and its shared components. After it finishes, restart Windows and open both Word and Excel to test them.
Where can I find the Office repair option in Windows 10?
Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features, select Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Office, and choose Modify. You can also select Office under Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features and choose Change.
What if Online Repair is not available?
Repair options depend on the Office installation type. Check how Office was installed or contact your Office administrator for the appropriate repair method.
