Office Apps Crashing

Fix Microsoft Word Crashing When Opening Documents From Another Computer

Nimra Malik Oct 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users experience unexpected crashes when attempting to open Microsoft Word documents that were downloaded from the internet, received as email attachments, or transferred from another computer.

How to Stop Word Crashes When Opening Documents From Another Computer

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Opening external or downloaded Word documents that Windows marks as untrusted.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Word freezes or crashes completely instead of opening the document in Protected View.

Before you start

Verify that your antivirus software is updated and temporarily check if it is interfering with Word's document scanning. Remember that modifying Windows security attributes can expose your PC to risks, so only unblock files from sources you absolutely trust.

Solution 1Recommended

Unblock the Specific File in Windows Properties

This is the safest method to resolve the crash without permanently lowering your overall system or Office security settings.

Locate the file

Navigate to the folder containing the downloaded or transferred Word document. Right-click the file and select 'Properties' from the context menu.

Unblock the document

In the 'General' tab, look at the bottom for a 'Security' section. Check the box that says 'Unblock' (or click the 'Unblock' button, depending on your Windows version).

Apply and open

Click 'Apply', then click 'OK'. Double-click the document to open it safely in Microsoft Word without triggering the Protected View crash.

Unblock the Specific File in Windows Properties

Solution 2

Disable Protected View in Word Trust Center

If you frequently work with files from other trusted computers and experience persistent crashes, you can disable Protected View, though this reduces your security against malware.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

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

If Microsoft Word continues to crash or struggle with external files, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a robust, highly compatible alternative for opening, editing, and sharing documents seamlessly without the persistent crashes associated with Protected View bugs.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including .docx, .doc, and .rtf.Lightweight architecture guarantees fast loading times and prevents unexpected crashes when opening external files.Familiar, intuitive user interface allows for a completely seamless migration.Free to use with built-in tools for handling all your daily document tasks safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Windows block files received from another computer?

Windows uses Attachment Execution Services to tag files downloaded from the internet or other untrusted zones. This is a security measure designed to protect your system from executing potentially malicious macros or scripts automatically.

Is it safe to unblock a Word document?

It is only safe if you completely trust the source of the document. If you received the file from an unknown sender or downloaded it from a suspicious website, unblocking it could allow malware to infect your computer.

Can I add a trusted folder instead of turning off Protected View?

Yes. Instead of disabling Protected View entirely, you can go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Trusted Locations. Add a specific folder there, and any file saved into that folder will open without triggering the Protected View restrictions or crashes.

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