Office Apps Not Opening

Fix Microsoft 365 Office Apps Opening in Safe Mode

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to troubleshoot an issue where Microsoft 365 Office applications consistently close unexpectedly and reopen in Safe Mode.

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Launching or using Microsoft 365 applications for daily productivity tasks.
Observed behavior: Office applications fail to start normally, close unexpectedly, and subsequently force-launch into Safe Mode.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting, ensure all open documents are saved and temporarily disable third-party antivirus software, as it may sometimes conflict with Office startup processes.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable COM and Office Add-ins

Faulty or incompatible add-ins are the most common cause of Office apps crashing and restarting in Safe Mode.

Third-party COM add-ins can conflict with the latest Microsoft 365 updates, causing applications to fail upon launch. Running the app in Safe Mode allows you to bypass these add-ins and disable them safely.

Launch in Safe Mode

Open the affected Office application (like Word or Excel) in Safe Mode.

Access Add-in Settings

Click on 'File' in the top ribbon, select 'Options' at the bottom left, and then click 'Add-ins'.

Manage COM Add-ins

At the bottom of the window, select 'COM Add-ins' from the Manage drop-down list and click 'Go'.

Disable Add-ins

Uncheck all the add-ins in the list and click 'OK' to disable them.

Restart Application

Close the application and restart it normally to see if the issue is resolved. If it works, re-enable your add-ins one by one to identify the problematic one.

Solution 2

Repair Microsoft 365 from Windows Settings

A corrupted Office installation can trigger applications to force launch in Safe Mode. Running the built-in repair tool can fix these core files.

Solution 3

Update Office and Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers or Office builds can cause freezing and trigger the Safe Mode fail-safe.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Stable, Crash-Free Experience

If Microsoft 365 continues to freeze, hang, or force you into Safe Mode due to add-in conflicts or corrupted updates, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly stable environment that handles all your document needs without the complex configurations that plague traditional Office setups.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptxLightweight installation with fast startup times and no endless Safe Mode loopsBuilt-in PDF editor and tabbed interface for increased productivityFree to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate user interface

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Excel keep opening in Safe Mode automatically?

Excel usually launches in Safe Mode automatically if it detects a problem during its previous startup, such as a crashed COM add-in, corrupted startup files, or an unexpected shutdown. Safe mode disables these extensions so you can fix the problem.

Can a damaged template cause Word to open in Safe Mode?

Yes, a corrupted Normal.dotm global template can cause Microsoft Word to crash on launch, which subsequently forces the application into Safe Mode to prevent further crashes.

How do I manually start an Office app in Safe Mode?

You can manually start an Office app in Safe Mode by holding down the CTRL key while clicking the application's shortcut, or by typing the app name followed by /safe in the Windows Run dialog (for example, type excel /safe).

Will Online Repair delete my Office files and documents?

No, running an Online Repair or Quick Repair from Windows Settings will only replace and fix the Microsoft 365 application files. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and data will remain completely untouched.

Office App Problems