Office Apps Crashing

Fix PowerPoint Encountered an Error and Must Close on Windows 10

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is experiencing a critical error in PowerPoint where the application states it cannot work correctly and must close, rendering the software unusable.

Product: Microsoft PowerPoint
Device & OS: Windows 10
Scenario: Attempting to open, edit, or run a presentation in PowerPoint.
Observed behavior: PowerPoint displays a mandatory closure error message, and clicking the built-in Repair Now option does not resolve the crashing issue.

Before you start

Before proceeding with repairs, note down the exact error message and verify if other Office applications like Word or Excel are experiencing the same crashing behavior.

Solution 1Recommended

Open PowerPoint in Safe Mode

Starting PowerPoint in Safe Mode bypasses add-ins and customizations that might be causing the application to crash.

Open the Run dialog

Press the Windows + R keys simultaneously on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.

Launch in Safe Mode

Type 'powerpnt /safe' into the text box and press Enter or click OK.

Disable Add-ins

If PowerPoint opens successfully without crashing, navigate to File > Options > Add-ins. Select 'COM Add-ins' from the Manage drop-down and click Go. Uncheck active add-ins one by one to identify the culprit.

Safe Mode Limitations: Safe Mode is a diagnostic tool, not a permanent fix. If PowerPoint works in Safe Mode, the issue is highly likely related to an incompatible third-party add-in.

Solution 2

Uninstall and Reinstall Microsoft Office

If the built-in 'Repair Now' button fails, completely removing and reinstalling the Office suite can fix corrupted program files causing the crash.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office When PowerPoint Fails

If Microsoft PowerPoint continues to crash and disrupt your workflow, consider using WPS Presentation. It is a highly compatible, free alternative that allows you to open, edit, and save your presentations seamlessly without frustrating errors.

1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the setup file and follow the quick installation process to get the suite ready in minutes.
3. Open your presentations: Launch WPS Presentation and seamlessly load your existing PowerPoint files to continue working immediately.

Highly compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint formats including PPT, PPTX, and PPSX.Lightweight installation that runs smoothly and is less prone to sudden application crashes.Completely free to use with a familiar, user-friendly interface for immediate productivity.Seamless migration of your existing presentations without losing formatting or animations.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does PowerPoint say it has encountered an error and needs to close?

This error usually occurs due to corrupted Office program files, incompatible third-party add-ins, outdated software versions, or conflicts with recent Windows updates.

What should I do if the 'Repair Now' button doesn't work?

If the quick 'Repair Now' option fails to resolve the crash, you should try running a full Online Repair from the Windows Control Panel under Programs and Features, or completely reinstall Office using the Microsoft removal tool.

Can I recover my presentation if PowerPoint crashed unexpectedly?

Yes, PowerPoint often auto-saves documents in the background. Reopen the application normally or in Safe Mode, and the Document Recovery pane should appear on the left side, allowing you to restore your unsaved work.

Does this crash error affect all Microsoft Office applications?

It can. If the underlying Office installation is corrupted or a shared component is failing, you might see the same 'must close' error in Word or Excel. Testing other applications helps determine if the issue is isolated to PowerPoint.

Office App Problems