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Fix Microsoft Office 2021 Word and Excel Closing During Repair
Question details
Users experience unexpected closures of Word and Excel in Microsoft Office 2021 Home & Student when attempting a repair, accompanied by prompts stating that repairs are required.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2021 Home & Student
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to repair Microsoft Office 2021 when Word and Excel prompt that repairs are required upon launch.
- Observed behavior
- The applications close unexpectedly during the repair process, preventing the issue from being resolved through the standard automated prompt.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection, as the Online Repair tool will need to download replacement files from Microsoft's servers to fix the corrupted application components.
Perform an Online Repair via Windows Apps and Features
Use the built-in Windows Online Repair tool to thoroughly replace corrupted Office files and components instead of relying on the in-app Quick Repair.
When Word or Excel crash during the standard repair prompt, it usually indicates deep corruption in the installation files. An Online Repair is more comprehensive than a Quick Repair because it completely replaces the corrupted files by downloading fresh copies directly from Microsoft servers.
Right-click the Windows Start button and select 'Apps and Features' (or 'Installed apps' if you are using Windows 11) from the context menu.
Scroll through the list of installed applications until you find 'Microsoft Office 2021 Home & Student', then click on it or click the three vertical dots next to it.
Select the 'Modify' option. If a User Account Control prompt appears asking for permission to make changes to your device, click 'Yes'.
In the Office repair dialog box, choose the 'Online Repair' option instead of Quick Repair, and then click the 'Repair' button to begin.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the repair process. Once finished, restart your computer and open Word or Excel to verify that the crashing issue is resolved.
Switch to WPS Office for a Stable and Lightweight Experience
If Microsoft Office continues to crash or fails to repair properly, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a stable, lightweight, and free alternative that is highly compatible with Microsoft formats, ensuring you can continue working without frustrating installation loops.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the quick setup guide to install WPS Office on your device.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Word or Excel files to continue working seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Quick Repair and Online Repair in Microsoft Office?
Quick Repair runs faster and works offline by attempting to fix minor issues using files already present on your computer. Online Repair takes longer and requires an internet connection because it completely uninstalls and downloads fresh components from Microsoft's servers, making it better for severe crashes or corruption.
Will repairing Microsoft Office 2021 delete my Word or Excel documents?
No, running a repair (either Quick or Online) only fixes the application installation files. It does not delete, alter, or move your personal documents, spreadsheets, or custom templates.
What should I do if Online Repair fails to fix the crashing issue?
If Online Repair does not resolve the unexpected closures, you may need to completely uninstall Microsoft Office 2021 using the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant tool, and then reinstall it freshly from your Microsoft account dashboard.
Why does Office repeatedly say 'repairs are required' upon opening?
This prompt usually appears when Office detects corruption in its core operational files, often caused by sudden power losses, conflicting third-party add-ins, or interrupted updates. Clicking the prompt initiates a Quick Repair, which sometimes fails and closes the app, necessitating a full Online Repair.
