Fix Microsoft 365 Apps Working Incorrectly Error and Closing
Question details
Users are unable to use Microsoft 365 applications because the programs continuously display an error message and close on their own.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to open or work within Microsoft 365 applications such as Word or Excel.
- Observed behavior
- The applications display a message stating they are working incorrectly, close unexpectedly, and the built-in Repair Now button fails to resolve the issue.
Ensure you have your Microsoft account login details handy and a stable internet connection before initiating any application repairs.
Run a Quick Repair via Windows Settings
Use the Windows system settings to repair the Office installation when the in-app repair button is unresponsive.
The Quick Repair option checks for and replaces missing or corrupted files without requiring an internet connection. It is the fastest way to resolve unexpected application crashes.
Right-click the Start menu icon on your desktop and select 'Apps and Features' (or 'Installed apps' depending on your Windows version).
Scroll through the list of installed programs or use the search bar to find your Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Office installation.
Click on the Microsoft 365 entry (or the three dots next to it) and select 'Modify'. If prompted by User Account Control, click 'Yes'.
In the repair dialog box, select 'Quick Repair' and then click the 'Repair' button to begin the process. Wait for the repair to complete before opening any Office apps.
Perform an Online Repair
Use this method if the Quick Repair fails to stop the applications from closing.
Check for Office Updates
Install the latest Office builds to fix known bugs causing crashes.
Switch to WPS Office for a Crash-Free Experience
If Microsoft 365 continues to display error messages and crash, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly stable, lightweight environment for creating and editing documents without the hassle of continuous repairs.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation file.
- 2. Install and Launch: Run the installer and open WPS Office to access Writer, Spreadsheets, and Presentation.
- 3. Open Existing Files: Directly open your existing Microsoft Office files; they will render perfectly without any formatting loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the in-app Repair Now button fail to work?
When the core application files are severely corrupted, the built-in repair tool within the app cannot function properly. In such cases, you must initiate the repair externally through Windows Settings.
Will running an Online Repair delete my Word documents or Excel spreadsheets?
No, neither Quick Repair nor Online Repair will delete your personal documents, data files, or Outlook profiles. They only replace and fix the Microsoft 365 software files.
What is the difference between Quick Repair and Online Repair?
Quick Repair works offline by quickly replacing corrupted system files and fixes most common issues. Online Repair requires an internet connection and performs a complete reinstallation of the Office suite, which is useful for deeper corruption.
