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Fix Microsoft 365 Apps Closing with Errors After Windows Reset
Question details
The user needs to fix Microsoft 365 applications that display an error message and close unexpectedly immediately after opening files.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Opening documents in Microsoft 365 apps following a recent Windows system reset.
- Observed behavior
- The apps successfully open briefly but then display an error and crash or close unexpectedly.
Ensure you have your Microsoft 365 account email and password ready, as running advanced repairs or reinstalling the software may require you to sign in again to activate your license.
Start in Safe Mode and Disable Add-ins
Running Office in Safe Mode bypasses third-party add-ins, helping you identify if a faulty extension is causing the application to crash.
Often, a Windows reset can corrupt third-party plugins that interact with Office. Safe Mode allows you to isolate the core application from these add-ins.
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Type 'winword /safe' for Word or 'excel /safe' for Excel, and press Enter.
If the application opens without crashing, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, select 'Options', and then click on 'Add-ins' in the left sidebar.
At the bottom of the window, ensure 'COM Add-ins' is selected in the Manage drop-down menu and click 'Go'. Uncheck all add-ins in the list and click 'OK'.
Close the application and reopen it normally. If it works, enable the add-ins one by one to determine which one is causing the error.
Run the Microsoft 365 Online Repair
The Online Repair tool downloads and replaces corrupted or missing installation files that may have been damaged during the Windows reset.
Update Drivers and Check Security Software
Outdated drivers or overactive antivirus software can mistakenly interfere with Office components, causing unexpected closures.
Try WPS Office for a Stable, Crash-Free Experience
If Microsoft 365 continues to crash and disrupt your workflow after a Windows reset, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free alternative that installs cleanly and runs smoothly without relying on complex system dependencies.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for Windows.
- 2. Install quickly: Run the downloaded executable file. The lightweight setup takes only a few minutes to complete.
- 3. Open your existing files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files to resume your work instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Microsoft 365 apps crash specifically after a Windows reset?
A Windows reset can remove critical system libraries, roll back essential drivers, or corrupt registry keys that Microsoft 365 relies on to function correctly. This mismatch causes the apps to fail upon launching.
Will running an Online Repair delete my Word or Excel documents?
No. Running the Microsoft 365 Online Repair tool only fixes the application files and registry entries. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and presentations are completely safe and will not be deleted.
How do I create a new Windows user profile to test if my current one is corrupted?
Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users. Click 'Add someone else to this PC', select 'I don't have this person's sign-in information', and follow the prompts to create a new local account. Log into this new account and try opening your Office apps.
Can outdated printer drivers really cause Excel or Word to close unexpectedly?
Yes. When Word or Excel opens, it automatically attempts to communicate with your default printer to format the document layout. If the printer driver is corrupted or incompatible after a system reset, it can cause the Office app to crash immediately.
