Office Apps Crashing

Fix Microsoft Word for Mac Crashing When Using Track Changes

Emma Brown Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

Microsoft Word for Mac unexpectedly crashes when modifying paragraph formatting or numbering while Track Changes is enabled.

How to Fix Microsoft Word for Mac Crashes When Using Track Changes

Product: Microsoft Word for Mac
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Editing a document, specifically altering paragraph formats or list numbering, with the Track Changes feature turned on.
Observed behavior: The application suddenly closes or crashes. This often happens repeatedly in a specific document, especially if running a beta or outdated version of Word.

Before you start

Ensure you have saved a backup copy of your document to a safe location on your Mac to prevent any accidental data loss while troubleshooting.

Solution 1Recommended

Update Microsoft Word and Switch to the Stable Channel

Beta builds frequently contain bugs that cause crashes during complex formatting. Switching to the stable release channel and updating resolves most Track Changes conflicts.

Microsoft releases beta versions for early testing, which often contain unresolved bugs regarding complex features like Track Changes and formatting loops. Moving back to the stable 'Current Channel' is highly recommended.

Open Microsoft AutoUpdate

Launch Microsoft Word on your Mac. Click on 'Help' in the top Apple menu bar, then select 'Check for Updates' to open the AutoUpdate tool.

Opt out of Beta Updates

In the AutoUpdate window, click on 'Advanced'. Uncheck the option for 'Beta Channel' or 'Current Channel (Preview)' and select 'Current Channel'.

Install Available Updates

Return to the main AutoUpdate screen and click 'Update' to download and install the latest stable build of Microsoft Word.

Update Microsoft Word and Switch to the Stable Channel

Restart Required: After the update is complete, fully quit and restart Microsoft Word to ensure the new stable build is actively running.

Solution 2

Test with a Sample Copy of the Document

If updating does not work, the crash might be caused by corruption within the specific document. Testing a copy helps isolate the issue.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office for Stable Document Review on Mac

If Microsoft Word continues to crash while editing, WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and incredibly stable alternative for Mac users. It handles complex document formatting and Track Changes smoothly without freezing or crashing.

1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office for Mac from the official website and launch the application.
2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx file directly.
3. Use Track Changes Smoothly: Navigate to the Review tab, turn on Track Changes, and edit your formatting without experiencing software crashes.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.doc and .docx) formatsStable Track Changes and comprehensive document review toolsLightweight app that will not overwhelm your Mac's resourcesFree to use with a familiar interface for quick migration

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft Word for Mac crash when using Track Changes?

Track Changes actively records every formatting adjustment. When modifying complex paragraph numbering or formatting on outdated or beta versions of Word, it can cause a processing loop that overloads the application, resulting in a crash.

Will I lose my edits if Word crashes during Track Changes?

If AutoRecover is enabled, Word should prompt you to recover the last autosaved version of your document upon restarting. To check this setting in the future, go to Word > Preferences > Save, and ensure AutoRecover is turned on.

How can I completely remove a buggy beta version of Word?

To completely revert, you may need to uninstall Microsoft Word by dragging it from the Applications folder to the Trash. Then, download the latest stable installer directly from your Microsoft account or the Mac App Store.

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