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Fix Microsoft Word Keeps Reporting It Has Encountered an Error
Question details
The user is experiencing repeated error messages in Microsoft Word stating the application cannot function correctly, which causes the program to close and prevents updates or normal usage.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to open, edit, or update documents in Microsoft Word.
- Observed behavior
- Word displays a persistent error message about failing to function correctly and then abruptly closes, remaining unusable even after attempting a basic repair.
Ensure all your work in other Microsoft Office applications is saved and closed, as the online repair process requires all Office programs to be completely shut down.
Perform an Online Repair for Microsoft Office
Running an Online Repair via Windows Settings completely refreshes your Office installation, fixing deep-seated file corruptions that cause persistent crashing.
A standard Quick Repair might not be enough to fix recurring crashes. The Online Repair downloads and replaces corrupted core files of the Microsoft Office suite, ensuring the application can function without unexpected errors.
Make sure Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook are completely closed before starting the repair process.
Click on the Start menu and select 'Settings', or press the Windows key + I on your keyboard.
Click on 'Apps', then select 'Apps & features' (or 'Installed apps' depending on your Windows version).
Scroll down to find 'Microsoft 365' or your specific Office version. Click the three dots (or left-click the app) and select 'Modify'.
When the repair prompt appears, select 'Online Repair' instead of Quick Repair, click 'Repair', and follow the on-screen instructions. Restart your computer once finished.
Run Word in Safe Mode and Disable Add-ins
If repairing Office does not resolve the issue, a faulty third-party add-in may be causing the crash. Safe Mode allows you to bypass these add-ins to identify the culprit.
Switch to WPS Office for a Stable and Seamless Experience
If Microsoft Word continues to encounter errors and disrupt your workflow, consider trying WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight alternative that minimizes frustrating software crashes while keeping all your documents and formatting intact.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free, lightweight installer.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the quick setup guide to easily install the suite on your PC.
- 3. Open your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and seamlessly open your existing Word files to resume your work without recurring errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft Word repeatedly say it has encountered an error?
This error generally occurs due to corrupted installation files, outdated software, or incompatible third-party add-ins that interfere with the application's normal processing.
What is the difference between Quick Repair and Online Repair?
Quick Repair attempts to fix minor issues quickly by replacing corrupted files using local data without needing the internet. Online Repair completely redownloads and reinstalls the Office suite to fix deeper, more complex issues, which takes longer and requires an active internet connection.
Will running an Office repair delete my personal documents?
No, repairing Microsoft Office only modifies the core program files. Your personal documents, templates, and customized settings are left untouched.
How do I figure out which specific add-in is causing Word to crash?
You can identify the problematic add-in by disabling all of them in Safe Mode, then re-enabling them one at a time. Restart Word normally after checking each box until the error reappears—the last enabled add-in is the culprit.
