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Fix Microsoft Word for Mac Crashing with EXC_BAD_ACCESS Error
Question details
Microsoft Word for Mac crashes unexpectedly shortly after opening a document, displaying an EXC_BAD_ACCESS error related to the dwrite10 module.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to open or edit a document in an older version of Microsoft Word for Mac (such as version 16.16.27).
- Observed behavior
- The application crashes immediately or shortly after opening, generating a crash log pointing to an EXC_BAD_ACCESS error and identifying dwrite10 as the failed module.
Ensure your Mac is connected to the internet and save any open work in other applications, as resolving this issue requires downloading system and software updates.
Update macOS and Microsoft Office Using AutoUpdate
Updating to the latest supported versions of macOS and Office is the most effective way to resolve dwrite10 module crashes caused by system incompatibility.
The EXC_BAD_ACCESS error often occurs when an outdated application attempts to interact with memory rendering components (like dwrite10) that have changed in newer macOS versions. Updating both the system and the application is required to restore compatibility.
Open Microsoft Word, click on 'Word' in the top menu bar, and select 'About Word' to verify your current version (e.g., 16.16.27). Alternatively, locate Word in the Finder Applications folder, right-click, and select 'Get Info'.
Open any functioning Office application, go to 'Help' in the top menu, and select 'Check for Updates' to launch Microsoft AutoUpdate. Install all available updates.
Click the Apple menu, go to 'System Settings' (or System Preferences), select 'General', and click 'Software Update'. Install any pending macOS updates.
After installing the updates, restart your computer to apply the changes and try opening your document in Word again.
Switch to WPS Office for a Stable Experience on Mac
If your older version of Microsoft Word for Mac is no longer supported and keeps crashing on newer macOS updates, WPS Office is a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative. It provides robust word processing capabilities without the steep subscription fees of Microsoft 365.
- 1. Download WPS Office for Mac: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version of the installer.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Word Documents: Launch WPS Office and open your .docx or .doc files directly to view and edit without compatibility crashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the EXC_BAD_ACCESS error mean in Microsoft Word?
An EXC_BAD_ACCESS error on a Mac occurs when an application tries to access memory that it is not permitted to use. In Microsoft Word, it typically indicates a software bug, a corrupted module (like dwrite10), or an incompatibility between the installed Word version and the current macOS environment.
Why does the crash log specifically mention the dwrite10 module?
The dwrite10 module is related to text rendering and font management within the application. When it crashes, it usually points to a conflict with installed system fonts or an outdated text rendering engine that is incompatible with the latest macOS updates.
Will reinstalling Microsoft Office 2016 fix the crashing issue?
Reinstalling might fix corrupted local application files, but if the issue is due to macOS incompatibility (which is common for the unsupported Office 2016 editions), the crash will likely persist. Upgrading to a newer supported Office version or using an alternative suite is recommended.
How can I access my Word documents if the app keeps crashing?
You can open your .docx or .doc files using the built-in Apple Pages app on your Mac, upload them to Microsoft 365 Online through a web browser, or download a free alternative like WPS Office to view and edit your documents without experiencing the crashes.
